Liam Kelly was a huge hero as Rangers battled to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday night.
Following a VAR review, Robin Propper was sent off for a professional foul on Inaki Williams, forcing the Bears to play for more than 90 minutes with ten men.
VAR did not stop there, however, as Dujon Sterling was found to have handled in the box following Alex Berenguer’s disallowed goal.
Istvan Kovacs pointed to the spot following a review, but he may face further action when Kelly saved the subsequent penalty to secure a dramatic draw.
UEFA to investigate Rangers saga
Keith Hackett has requested UEFA to investigate the penalty awarding process, claiming that there was no clarity in various replays that he studied.
Sterling was deemed to have deliberately handled in the box, but the ex-FIFA referee believes the defender took no motion towards the ball.
“I hope that the incident where a goal was ruled out for offside and then a penalty kick awarded is investigated,” Hackett exclusively told Ibrox News.
“I have studied the clip several times, and I do not see the clarity in the video replays to determine with accuracy either decision.
“I can only suggest that the game was using the semi-automated offside system to determine the offside decision.
“To award a penalty kick, I do not see a deliberate action to be able to determine with certainty that the alleged handling of the ball was deliberate.”
Rangers have Europa League on the line in Bilbao
It everything points to a fantastic return leg in Bilbao next Thursday.
Rangers will be wary of how the Spaniards work now, too, with every little foul and decision leading to complaints and demands, with VAR likely busy again.
| Rangers | Athletic Bilbao |
| Propper sent off – 13 | |
| Sannadi penalty denied – 53 | |
| Berenguer penalty missed – 81 |
If UEFA investigates the drama at Ibrox, they may warn their officials ahead of the second leg shootout for a place in the semi-finals against Manchester United or Lyon.
Barry Ferguson will expect the same intensity in this team, regardless, and the interim manager has a booking on a night of fireworks but no goals.
