'Leon wanted to win the tackle' - Rangers manager delivers verdict on Balogun's red card

Published: April 24, 2022

Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst has delivered his verdict on Leon Balogun's red card in the first half of his side's impressive 3-1 road win over Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday afternoon.

The Nigeria international took the walk of shame in the 28th minute and it almost proved to be the turning point in the match as Rangers were pegged back by an equaliser from Ross Tierney seven minutes later.

The champions produced an excellent display in the second half thanks to goals from Scott Wright and James Tavernier

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

In his post-match assessment, Van Bronckhorst defended Balogun, saying the Nigerian made a genuine attempt to win the ball.

Speaking to Rangers TV, the Dutchman said : "Leon wanted to win the tackle, but in these circumstances the margins are very little so the ref decided to give the red card and we had to respect that, move on and make sure we had the focus on the minutes that we had to play after that sending off.

"Of course, we conceded the goal but I think we changed the game in the second half."

Balogun received only one red card in his Rangers career, against Slavia Prague in last season's Europa League, before the trip to Fir Park.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : rangers.co.uk

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