Sport
Rangers manager moves to explain fiery on-pitch exchange after Ibrox controversy
Rangers manager Philippe Clement has sought to cool the conversation around an on-pitch discussion with referee Don Robertson.
The Belgian boss has made clear his disagreement with the whistler regarding the decision to send Dujon Sterling off the pitch in the 2-1 win over Aberdeen.
But Clement has also stressed that the final decision rests with the referee after Don Robertson doubled down on his original decision after an on-pitch review.
The decision has drawn much criticism and is objectively harsh in nature, with other decisions in the match going against Rangers in this regard.
Philippe Clement on Don Robertson exchange
Clement could be seen remonstrating with Robertson at full-time but when asked about the conversation claimed everything remained “calm”.
Also praising the referee for having an open and honest discussion, the Rangers manager has cooled any suggestion of a furious disagreement.
“We had a calm talk,” said Clement. “No, really calm. I like it also that we can discuss things with referees with respect and in a decent way what was the view on the red card.
“It’s a harsh decision for me. Because Dujon (Sterling) slipped and he hits the toes of the opponent.
“So I didn’t see until now many red cards that you touch opponent at his toes. If I look back I cannot remember one moment so that’s a harsh one and that makes the end of the game more difficult.
“But it’s also a difficult profession, I know because we need to do it every day in the training, to make decisions. So at the end, the referee decides and we need to accept it.”
Rangers to discuss Dujon Sterling appeal call
The Rangers manager also revealed that the club will wait to discuss the Dujon Sterling red card before deciding whether or not to appeal Don Robertson’s decision.
The summer signing from Chelsea has proven a versatile squad option this season and has absence would undoubtedly be a blow.
“We need to decide those things as a club,” said Clement. “So I never make these decisions alone, I don’t want to make those alone, but this one is quite clear I think.
“But we need to discuss this inside the club first.”
Rangers ran out 2-1 winners over Aberdeen at Ibrox courtesy of goals from Rabbi Matondo and Todd Cantwell, with Bojan Miovski scoring for the Dons.
