Baffled Michael Stewart calls out Rangers fans after Ianis Hagi red card lands madcap Celtic defence

Mystified Michael Stewart admits he can't understand how some Rangers fans leapt to the defence of red card sinner Ianis Hagi.

The Romania international made his long-awaited return to the Ibrox first-team as he came off the bench against St Johnstone - but lasted just 35 minutes as he was sent-off for a nasty-looking challenge on Benjamin Kimpioka. The lunge initially earned a booking for from referee David Dickinson but VAR would intervene and the man in the middle would upgrade the offence to a sending off after reviewing the incident at the pitchside monitor.

Despite going down to 10 men, Philippe Clement's side would hold on for the victory and keep the gap with joint Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic and Aberdeen at five points. Discussing Rangers performance on Scottish Football Social Club, Stewart said: "It was nothing that was outstanding, but it was job done.

"It was alright. You are not going to criticise them, but as long as they can continue to do things like this result it can help them building momentum."

A clip of Hagi's tackle was then shown, and the former Hearts and Hibs midfielder - who was on co-commentary duties for the Premiership clash on Premier Sports - revealed he had heard instant defences from the stands: "I can't believe some fans, actually. There were some guys behind us in the commentary box going 'a Celtic player would never have got sent off for that'."

Stewart then put his head in his hands before fellow pundit and former Rangers star Alan Hutton added: "It was really good to see Hagi back. I know he got sent off, and it was a poor challenge. I think that comes with a little bit of rustiness and not playing."

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