Mo Diomande sees Rangers red card addressed as SFA release statement on Nick Walsh flashpoint

SFA ref chiefs have attempted to clear up the thinking behind under-fire Nick Walsh's controversial decision to send off Mo Diomande.

The Rangers midfielder was ordered off in the final minute of stoppage time after clashing with Kevin Holt. The Ivory Coast star appeared to aim a fresh-air slap at the Dundee United defender, although TV replays indicated there was no contact. Whistler Walsh was called to the monitor by VAR official Don Robertson for a second look but provoked the fury of the Gers dugout area by sticking to his on-field decision.

Fizzing boss Philippe Clement erupted with rage as he stormed to the tunnel moments after full-time before remonstrating with Walsh. The baffled Belgian vowed that the Ibrox club would appeal to the straight red but the SFA have now offered some guidance to the BBC, offering some context behind Walsh's decision.

A statement read: "Nick Walsh has taken the view that there was a deliberate swing of the arm towards the face of an opponent, which was not negligible, and therefore constitutes violent conduct."

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