Derek Ferguson has slammed the officials in Rangers’ match against St Johnstone following an incident involving Jack Butland
Butland caught Saints attacker Adama Sidibeh in an attempt to clear the ball although he was obviously offside, but the referee’s assistant did not flag.
Both players were fine, but the incident was one of dozens that have been criticized since the rule change that allows a phase of play to be completed before flagging for offside calls, which increases the chance of injury.
Ferguson spoke live on BBC Sportsound [6 October, 21:49]: “Butland comes flying out with full force and catches him. That is a real sore one. “There is no need for it.”
Rangers win as Ferguson criticizes officiating
Rangers did enough to win at Ibrox on Sunday (6 October), with Vaclav Cerny’s treble securing the points despite Ianis Hagi’s red card return.
A close watch would have been cast on Celtic and Aberdeen’s respective late displays earlier in the day to maintain their perfect records, so a win was essential.
Ferguson’s criticism of the officials for the Butland incident was more directed at the larger issue of allowing phases of play to continue after a clear offside.
It meant that an utterly unnecessary injury was risked, like with many others that have occurred in the past, in the name of permitting a later VAR call to determine the outcome unless it is clear and obvious in live.
In previous seasons, players have been out for months at a time due to injuries acquired during these extended periods of play, and the rule needs to be reviewed.
In unrelated Rangers news, Michael Stewart chastised Cyriel Dessers during Sunday’s game.
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Philippe Clement casts doubt on Rangers’ £4 million transfer request in post-match disclosure.
Rangers’ injury and transfer records are two areas that receive a lot of scrutiny
The Gers have been struggling in the medical department for the better part of three years, and Philippe Clement has made it his mission to fix the problems.
At the same time, Rangers has spent much on trades and wages on players that are underperforming for the team.
So when one player brings both issues into question at the same moment, fans automatically raise their eyebrows.
Oscar Cortes now out for ‘extended term’
Rangers recruited Oscar Cortes on loan in January, and it appeared to be a promising transaction for the club.
Cortes, who joined on loan from RC Lens, gave new enthusiasm to the squad and was expected to lead the club’s title charge.
However, a catastrophic injury and subsequent surgery suffered only seven games into his Rangers career ended a promising start.
Rangers maintained faith in Oscar Cortes this summer, agreeing to a £4 million loan-to-buy deal following a successful recovery.
But so far, things haven’t gone as planned.
Cortes suffered an injury on the first day of the season against Hearts, raising further questions about the club’s use of a limited budget.
Cortes returned briefly against Dundee United, but had another injury in training, which Clement originally tried to downplay.
Now, the Rangers boss has confirmed that the condition is ‘longer term’ but has not revealed how long Cortes will be out of action.
When asked about the club’s injuries leading up to the international break, Clement remarked, “I expect Danilo and Ridvan to be back in training.”
“The two others (Cortes and Matondo) are not yet; it is too early for that. (Oscar Cortes) will be here for the long haul.”
Rangers have £17.5 million of talent sidelined.
While Philippe Clement isn’t accountable for the status of the Rangers squad when he came in the door, he will have to carry some of the burden.
Nothing the Colombian winger has done thus far has justified the decision to take a £4 million gamble on his talents, and Cortes’ recurring injury problems have put enormous pressure on both the club and the winger.
With the club on a short budget, having such an expensive player continuously unavailable is disheartening for fans who want real change at Ibrox.
It’s also the same old tale as the last few seasons.
Oscar Cortes isn’t the only pricey signing who hasn’t made an effect on the Rangers’ first-team roster.
Clement mentioned Oscar Cortes, Danilo, Ridvan Yilmaz, and Rabbi Matondo, who cost a total of £17.5 million.
In fact, the majority of the club’s most expensive additions over the last three years have found themselves consistently sidelined.
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