(Credit BBC Scotland)

Jack Heath

Tue 5 August 2025 21:30, UK

Nicolas Raskin was involved in a bizarre first-half incident as Rangers took on Viktoria Plzen despite being dropped from the starting XI.

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The Gers dominated the match against Viktoria Plzen in their second round of Champions League qualification after the victory against Panathinaikos.

Goals from Djeidi Gassama and a spot-kick from Cyriel Dessers had the Ibrox in a happy mood as they look to compete in Europe’s top-tier tournament this season, putting them 3-0 up inside an hour.

The response from the players to Russell Martin’s open frustration and disappointment with his side during their 1-1 draw with Motherwell was felt after he made a number of changes to his starting XI.

Midfielder Raskin was dropped to the bench after his poor performance in the league opener as the ex-Southampton manager highlighted the importance of qualifying for the Champions League.

Yet, midway through the half the BBC commentary team couldn’t believe what had happened as Raskin got himself yellow carded without being on the pitch.

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Although he wasn’t in the starting XI, the former Standard Liege man found himself on the wrong side of the referee, after reaching out to touch a Plzen player as he took a throw in next to him.

Despite seemingly not impeding the throw at all referee Clement Turpin came across to show him and card and admonish him, leaving Raskin with his arms outstretched in confusion.

Reporting on the game for BBC Scotland (8.16pm), commentator Liam McLeod and ex-Rangers player Steven Thompson were in disbelief at his actions.

McLeod noted: “Well, there’s a yellow card out for what looks to be Nicolas Raskin, who’s one of the subs tonight, dropped from the starting XI, I’m not sure what went on there.”

The Belgian picked up a yellow card despite not being on the pitch (Credit: Imago)

Thompson replied: “I was following the ball Liam, I didn’t see it, maybe we’ll catch it on the replay what it is.”

After watching the replay in sheer confusion, he added: “I’m not quite sure, what’s he done to get a yellow there?!”

McLeod responded: “Well the look of bamboozlement is justified on this occasion, it was really strange.”

Thompson summed up the bizarre actions of Raskin with an: “Aye, deary me.”

Football Insider verdict

Whilst the 24-year-old enjoyed a superb campaign last year, his discipline and work ethic continues to be an overarching issue.

Given the former Saints boss has been tasked with a rebuild, the Belgian was likely to be one of the key components to the new project.

Nicolas Raskin 2025-26 all competitionsGames played3Minutes253Assists1Raskin’s numbers prior to his benching in the Champions League (Source: Sofascore)

But, it is evident the new manager is not satisfied with what he has seen so far and is demanding more from the centre-midfielder.

It will be intriguing to see if the ex-Standard Liege terrier gets the nod on the weekend for the league or if Martin continues to leave him out of the starting XI.

It was a huge call to leave the talented midfielder out of the team against the Czech side tonight, but it may a decision that completely changes the trajectory of Raskin’s Rangers career.

For the foreseeable future, the number 43 has to get his head down and work hard on the training ground or potentially risk being frozen out of his candid manager’s thinking.

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