Credit: Imago / Sky Sports Football

Harri Burton

Tue 5 August 2025 11:04, UK

John Souttar was involved in a “reckless” challenge which went unpunished during Rangers’ draw against Motherwell.

'It's an act of simulation' - Ex-FIFA ref re-analyses Rangers-Motherwell footage	‘Frankly’ - Ex-FIFA ref slates controversial VAR call in Celtic win	Newcastle 'ready to sell Alexander Isak' as huge step taken towards Liverpool transfer

The 28-year-old played the entire 90 minutes as Russell Martin‘s side were held to a 1-1 draw at Fir Park on Saturday, 2 August, with the manager having some choice words for his team after the game.

James Tavernier had put the Gers ahead inside 15 minutes, only for Emmanuel Longelo to score a late equaliser, taking advantage of slack defending, rocketing his effort past Jack Butland.

Referee Steven McLean was not shy of a booking, with four Light Blue players and one Motherwell player being cautioned throughout the 90 minutes, but one challenge appeared to go under the radar.

Souttar, whose contract situation at Rangers remains uncertain, was on the receiving end of a heavy challenge from the Steelmen’s Apostolos Stamatelopoulos early in the second half.

The Scot beat the striker to the ball by half a second, who then followed through with his attempted block of Souttar’s clearance, leaving him in pain inside his own penalty area.

MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES

Stamatelopoulos received three yellow cards in his 16 Scottish Premiership appearances last season, and Keith Hackett believes the Australian should have had another on his record at Fir Park.

This article contains exclusive comments from ex-FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.

Hackett spoke exclusively to Football Insider about the challenge on Souttar, saying: “This is where a yellow card was warranted.

There was force; it was a reckless challenge, it was late as well, so I was surprised that many didn’t focus on it. 

“It’s not acceptable in the game.

The referee does not have an engine, so if he’s not at the right viewing angle, he can’t guess at what the decision should be.

“That’s the shortfall with VAR because they can’t get involved in a reckless challenge.

The referee missed this one; VAR would have seen it as a reckless challenge, but they can’t get involved.

Keith Hackett was stunned by the lack of a yellow card.

“This is why FIFA are considering, particularly for second yellow cards, a reviewing process by VAR.

A lot of people are against this, but if they do introduce this, they also need to look at the first yellow card. 

“This type of challenge needs to be outlawed and ideally detected by the match official.” 

Related Posts


For more news relating to Rangers, visit our sister site Rangers Latest Live.