David Martindale baffled by Rangers VAR call as Livingston boss states he has not 'seen many of them given' at Ibrox

Baffled David Martindale has blasted the decision that led to his side losing the opening goal against Rangers.

The Livingston boss was irked as Jamie Brandon was seemingly bundled to the ground by Light Blues winger Abdallah Sima who raced through on goal to send a cute effort past Shamal George after ten minutes. Referee Willie Collum did not blow for a free-kick, while VAR official Nick Walsh did not seem to intervene as pundits and fans seemed baffled at the call under the lights at Ibrox in the Viaplay Cup.

It ended 4-0 after the final whistle with the Lions well beaten by Michael Beale's men on the night, but outspoken Martindale has not held back in his review of the flashpoint, as he told BBC Scotland: "I think the first goal is a foul, I've watched it back myself, there's clear hands on and it's a push - not a huge one - but when you're running with momentum and get a push you are going to fall.

"For the life of me I don't know how we haven't got a foul...the first goal hurts us, it spooks us. I'm disappointed because as it went to VAR review it was in the phase of play that led to the goal, my understanding was it doesn't have to be clear and obvious if it leads to taking the ball and putting it in the back of your net. I thought it would get overturned, and it never.

"I don't think anyone goes out to make bad decisions, so we've got the technology but it comes down to the opinions of people making the decisions. Some times the decisions fall your way, sometimes they don't. Ibrox away, quarter-final, pfft...I've not seen many of them given to be honest. No officials go out to get it wrong, but I can't believe it's not a foul. I'll not be contacting anyone."

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