Rangers coach delivers his verdict on yellow cards handed to two Nigerian players vs Hearts

Published: February 08, 2022

Rangers coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst has had his say on the yellow cards handed to Nigerian defenders Leon Balogun and Calvin Bassey during his side's 5-0 hammering of Hearts in the last round of matches in the Scottish Premiership.

Left-back Bassey picked up the first booking of the match in the 27th minute for seemingly fouling Cameron Devlin and eight minutes into the second half Balogun went into the book for a foul on Liam Boyce.

The Nigerian duo were surprised to be shown yellow cards by referee Willie Collum as they thought they got to the ball first.

Van Bronckhorst urged his players to avoid unnecessary bookings as they stand the risk of being suspended.

Speaking to reporters at Tuesday's press conference before the visit of Hibernian, the Dutchman said : "A booking is a booking although you have the idea you play the ball.

"In the situations you mentioned, both Leon and Calvin thought they got the ball first but a yellow card is a yellow card.

"If you keep accumulating yellow cards it’ll definitely be a suspension so I can understand the thinking of my players."

Balogun and Bassey were also yellow carded in the 3-0 loss to Celtic last Wednesday.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : rangers.co.uk

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com