Jack Butland Rangers 'penalty' snub has Aberdeen fans asking the same thing as Michael Stewart underlines VAR concern

Bemused Michael Stewart has questioned if Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland could have given a penalty away in the closing stages of the clash with Aberdeen.

And the Dons fans are united in agreement with the pundit after the controversial end to the Viaplay Cup Final. With seconds left on the clock Barry Robson's side threw everyone - including goalkeeper Kelle Roos - into the box in search of a late equaliser as they looked to cancel out James Tavernier's second half strike. The dangerous free-kick was whipped into the box towards Duk and the forward was involved in a clash with Rangers number one Jack Butland before a brawl broke out at Hampden.

Ugly scenes ensued involving the Cape Verde international, Leon Balogun, Bojan Miovski and Connor Goldson - with Slobodan Rubezic being held back by Kelle Roos. Referee Don Robertson would eventually award the free-kick to Philippe Clement's side - with a VAR check taking place for violent conduct following the incident.

But speaking on Viaplay, Stewart felt the initial clash between the England cap and Duk could have been hauled up by the off-field team. He said: "Where does the ball land? You can talk about violent conduct but for me it's more when the ball gets whipped in at the near post is Duk in front of Butland when he wins the ball initially. It doesn't seems as if they are looking at it."

However, former Rangers defender Alan Hutton brushed off the concern. He added: "There was so much in that went on in that short period of time it was difficult."

Following the game, the Pittodrie faithful have been irked by the call. Taking to X, one fan said: "Butland wipes out Duk and not even checked." Another added: "Michael Stewart called it out and got shouted down." One