James Sands gets unanimous Rangers red card verdict as pundits stand with Malky Mackay over 'ludicrous' ref rebuff

Sportscene pundits all agreed that James Sands should have been handed a straight red card in the win over Ross County.

It was a comfortable afternoon for Rangers in the end with John Lundstram, an Antonio Colak double and Steven Davis' strike claiming all three points for Gio van Bronckhorst's side, as they move ahead of Celtic in the Premiership table ahead of their clash with Dundee United. However, the rout wasn't the main talking point coming out of the showdown out at Ibrox.

County boss Malky Mackay was quick to point out that Sands should have been shown a red card for a pull on Jordy Hiwula, with the frontman through on Jon McLaughlin's goal with the game still goalless. The American international was already on a booking when he pulled the forward down, but referee Don Robertson waved away the claim. Mackay didn't hold back after the game, stating the red card decision was as "clear as day".

Ibrox boss Van Bronckhorst also confessed it was a "close" call. However, the BBC Sportscene panel fully backed the Staggies' boss.

Pundit Michael Stewart said: "Malky Mackay is right to be frustrated. They need everything to go their way if Ross County are going to get anything from the game. Forget a second yellow card, it's a red card. It's a ludicrous decision from the referee.

James McFadden added: "Forget the fact that he is on a yellow when it comes to the second one, it's a red card. Giovanni van Bronckhorst is smiling because he knows his team have got away with one this week. It's just incredible.

"There is nothing obstructing the referees view. How he can deem there is nothing there is incredible."

Stewart continued: 'I would love to know what Don Robertson thinks happens here. For it not to be a foul, a