Dermot Gallagher declares Rangers penalty 'absolutely right' as he reveals what swayed initial harsh on Hibs instinct

Dermot Gallagher has credited VAR after insisting the decision to award John Souttar a penalty was CORRECT.

Hibs took aim on social media after David Dickinson pointed to the spot after being sent to the monitor for a second look by VAR official Andrew Dallas. The Easter Road club fired a cheeky dig on their social media channels after the call against them while pundit Michael Stewart also hit out over the penalty and yellow card handed to defender Nectarios Triantis.

However, former English Premier League whistler Gallagher insists it WAS a spot-kick after seeing the VAR replay after initially believing it looked a harsh decision against Nick Montgomery's men before backing up the decision to hand the Hibs defender a yellow card for the collision.

Speaking on Ref Watch, he said: "When I saw this I thought really, really harsh but when I saw the replay when it goes to the VAR, absolutely right. And what I would also say - also a yellow card. Flailing arm, catches him in the face. Credit to VAR because when I saw it first of all I didn't think foul. When I see the replay, definitely a foul."

James Tavernier's effort from 12-yards was pushed away by David Marshall with Scott Wright on hand to turn the rebound home. However, after another stoppage the goal was ruled out for encroachment from the Rangers attacker. Gallagher joked had he had a smaller boot size he would have been fine as he explained the impact situation that resulted in the effort being ruled out.

He added: "If he had size six boots instead of a size eight he wouldn't have encroached. But he does just encroach and because it is him that scores - because it is all about impact and who impacts on the rebound - if you look it is actually Scott Wright