Cyriel Dessers gets unanimous Rangers 'penalty' verdict as VAR intervention swerves Liam Kelly double jeopardy

It was a narrow win at Ibrox as Rangers saw off Motherwell - but VAR calls were among the talking points once again coming out of the Scottish Premiership clash.

Michael Beale's men continued to build momentum as they followed up their midweek victory over Real Betis in the Europa League with another home victory as they overcame the Steelmen - despite Stuart Kettlewell's battling side giving the Light Blues plenty of scares on their own patch. Cyriel Dessers' strike proved to be enough - and a flashpoint involving the frontman was among the talking points coming out of the game.

The Nigeria international looked to have beaten the offside trap and left Bevis Mugabi behind to close in on Motherwell goalkeeper Liam Kelly. The Scotland international closed down Dessers and the Rangers striker took a tumble on the edge of the box as the shot-stopper slid in to deny the 28-year-old - but the incident was pulled back for an offside and the lines were drawn by VAR.

Dessers protested the call but referee Alan Muir was not sent to the monitor by Andrew Dallas in the VAR room, and Kelly avoided the risk of giving away a penalty as well as a potential red card. Kevin Thomson on Rangers TV initially claimed for the penalty, before starting to walk back the shout. The former Ibrox midfielder said on co-commentary: "He's just off. Oh, it is tight though."

While the incident was being checked on VAR, Stephen Craigan said: "He has went slightly early with that one. If he is that bit more patient he can get himself in behind."

And former Rangers frontman Kenny Miller was even more blunt on the flashpoint. He said: 'I don't even think it's a penalty by the way. I think Liam Kelly pulls out and doesn't make contract. I think Dessers goes