James Tavernier handed Rangers 'red card' evaluation as pundits point to the rule book to revive VAR debate

James McFadden reckons James Tavernier could have seen red for Rangers against St Johnstone.

The Ibrox skipper appeared to catch Ali Crawford with a late tackle on the ankle in the second half with whistler Willie Collum awarding a free-kick.

However, no further punishment for the lunge was issued, but Crawford would limp off the park moments later in the 1-0 defeat in Perth.

The incident was brought up by the Sky Sports pundits after the full-time whistle, with McFadden pointing to the rule book.

When asked about the tackle, former Rangers favourite Kris Boyd stated: "I think it's a yellow card. A yellow card would be for (it being) reckless, but I don't think ti's excessive force."

McFadden, however, felt that the follow through merited a more serious punishment, arguing: "I think he follows through there. The more I see it, I don't think he needs to extend his leg."

Boyd clapped back: "I think when you slow anything down it looks worse. Again, maybe if we get VAR the referee has a decision to make."

St Johnstone star David Wotherspoon, who joined the panel, added: "There is follow through and there is a straight leg there.

"It looks a nasty one for Ali but hopefully he is alright because we need as many players fit as possible, obviously going through a bad spell with injuries.

"We want everyone fit and ready to go."