'It's dangerous' - Ex-Rangers star admits referee was right to send off Balogun vs Motherwell

Published: April 23, 2022

Glasgow Rangers' 3-1 win over Motherwell at Fir Park on Saturday afternoon allowed Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side to narrow the gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership table to three points.

With an eye on Thursday's Europa League trip to RB Leipzig, the Dutch football tactician made eight changes to his starting lineup, one of which saw Leon Balogun start at center-back.

Calvin Bassey was not given much of a rest as he had to come off the bench in the 31st minute after the dismissal of Balogun, while Joe Aribo was introduced in the 68th minute.

Liam Kelly's own goal in the 14th minute put the visitors ahead but Ross Tierney nodded in a leveler in the 35th minute.

Rangers had to wait until the second half before normal services resumed as Scott Wright restored the one-goal advantage before James Tavernier sealed the win from the spot.

Balogun was given his marching orders by referee Nick Walsh in the 28th minute after a poor challenge on Motherwell midfielder Dean Cornelius.

Former Rangers winger Neil McCann has admitted that the referee was completely correct to show a straight red card to the Nigeria international.

Speaking on BBC Sportsound, he said : "I have to say it's the correct decision on first viewing. Dean Cornelius has bounced through two nutmegs, bounces through two challenges and then when it comes to the third, Leon Balogun goes in strong but he goes in with the sole of the boot.

"He looked like it was full-on speed. He does get a bit of the ball but it doesn't matter because I think it's dangerous."

For a defender, Balogun had a good disciplinary record before the trip to Motherwell as today's red was his first in the Premiership after thirty eight appearances.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : rangers.co.uk

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