Philippe Clement rages at Rangers penalty and slams handball rule that is ruining football

Philippe Clement slammed the handball rule he claims is ruining football - as he challenged his Rangers troops to finish the job against Benfica at Ibrox after coming agonisingly close to making history in Lisbon.

The Light Blues twice led - through Tom Lawrence’s early header and a Dujon Sterling strike - in Estadio Da Luz where the Portuguese giants had never lost in the Europa League. But an Angel Di Maria penalty - controversially awarded following a VAR check as John Souttar was penalised for handball - and Connor Goldson own goal saw the game end in a draw with all to play for in Glasgow.

Clement now wants a repeat performance as they look to secure a place in the quarter finals but said of the penalty award: "It's very harsh. I have said it already a few times but I don't agree with where the game is going with the handball situation, but those are the rules. I had more problems with some situations in the last few weeks, but with this one gets given because of the rules. But as someone who loves football I have difficulty with those rules, like all other managers and players.

"It is too harsh now that a ball that is clearly not intended to hit your arm is given as a penalty the moment it touches you. Too many games all over the world are decided in this way. But those are the rules. Maybe when I am finished as a manager I can do something to make the game more simple again and for referees also, as it's difficult for them too."

On the game the Belgian said: “I’m not happy, no. We were really close to writing history. Benfica have never lost a Europa League game at home and we were close on the evening. You’re not happy about that but I’m proud about my team.

“They showed a really good mentality and the right