Ryan Kent Rangers penalty receives unanimous BBC pundit verdict

Rangers were on easy street last night as they made light work of Hibs in the capital.

Michael Beale’s side comfortably defeated the Easter Road side 4-1 thanks to goals from James Tavernier, Fashion Sakala, and a double from Antonio Colak.

However, it was far from the start that the Light Blues would’ve been hoping for.

Lee Johnson’s men took the lead after ten minutes, with Connor Goldson netting an own goal.

The response from the Ibrox club was testament to the work Beale has put in on the training field, though.

Almost immediately after, positive play by Sakala and Ryan Kent up the wing saw Rangers awarded a penalty.

Referee Don Robertson initially just give the spot kick, after CJ Egan-Riley clipped Kent as he darted inside the Hibs box.

After a short VAR review at the pitchside monitor, though, the penalty was given – and James Tavernier tucked home.

VAR drama has followed most Scottish teams since its introduction way back in October.

However, pundits James McFadden and Leanne Crichton agreed that Robertson got this decision right eventually while appearing on BBC’s Sportscene.

Crichton commented: “I don’t think you can dispute it too much.

“You need to credit the positive play from Sakala and Ryan Kent does what he does often and chops back inside.

“Egan-Riley commits to the challenge, gets it wrong and catches him.

“There isn’t anywhere else that he (Kent) can plant his foot and Don Robertson goes over the screen to confirm it.”

McFadden added: “I think it’s a bit sloppy. Lee Johnson talks about composure and that’s a moment that he’ll be speaking about – going to ground in the box.

“Ryan Kent kind of overran it and he gave him a way out because when he cuts back, he’s not getting back as sharp.

“It was a good finish from James Tavernier, which we are used to seeing.”