Rangers Fans Absolutely Fume At Controversial VAR Penalty Call In Shock 2-0 Defeat To USG
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Rangers fans were left fuming after a controversial VAR call went against them in their shock 2-0 defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise.
The Belgian club head to Glasgow next week with a two-goal advantage following Tuesday's big home win as they look to secure Champions League football.
FULL-TIME: Royale Union Saint-Gilloise 2-0 Rangers
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) August 2, 2022
Not our night in Belgium. Back to Ibrox next Tuesday for the second-leg. pic.twitter.com/VHXysyMk9h
But they had a little help from some questionable officiating when the match referee decided to point to the sport following a VAR review.
A USG player struck the ball against Ben Davies, which ricocheted off Connor Goldson's hand in very close quarters.
However, Goldson was adjudged to have handled the ball, with the referee awarding a penalty - which was successfully converted.
A colossal blow to Rangers! 😬
— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) August 2, 2022
After a VAR review, a penalty is awarded against Connor Goldson for hand ball and Union double their lead 🖐️ pic.twitter.com/2uNWAHNOjI
The decision to give the penalty angered Rangers fans on social media.
One tweeted: "Ref wanted to make a name for himself. How can anyone who has ever watched 2 minutes of football decide that is a pen."
A second wrote: "Never seen a worse decision in my life."
A third added: "That's a shocking decision."
Another commented: "How in the world is that ever a penalty."
And if you're wondering why that penalty shouldn't be given against Rangers, the guidance for the handball law states, and I quote:
— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonESPN) August 2, 2022
"Exceptions e.g. the player’s arm is already extended when there is no expectation of the ball coming at, or near, the player from a team-mate."
That is a dreadful decision on Connor Goldson, never on this earth is that a penalty for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. 2-0 down and in trouble in this tie Rangers, there’s no ifs or buts though. This is unacceptable from Rangers. Pathetic result and performance.
— Josh Bunting (@Buntingfootball) August 2, 2022
Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side face an uphill challenge if they want to book their spot in the Champions League.
Speaking after the game, he revealed that he was 'disappointed' with his team's performance.
"I'm very, very disappointed, especially as our performance wasn't at the level it normally is," said the Dutchman.
"We need to change it around big time. You try to change personnel to change the game, but overall we had too many below their usual performance, which makes it really hard to play as a unit.
"That was our biggest problem. That's the biggest thing that needs to change if we are to go through next week."
Rangers host USG next Tuesday at Ibrox as they look to turnaround the first leg deficit.
