Ref insider tears into Rangers penalty let-off as Hearts rage vindicated with 'entirely wrong' verdict

Former ref Des Roache is amazed VAR didn't step in in to award Hearts a penalty for a foul by Clinton Nsiala – telling Steven McLean he was 'entirely wrong' not to get involved.

The ex UEFA Grade 1 official joined Sunday night's Hotline Live to discuss one of the the big talking points in Rangers' 3-1 victory at Tynecastle. Hearts fans were left fuming after Nsiala appeared to bundle James Wilson to the floor early in the second half – and that fury was amplified just 40 seconds later when Rangers took the ball up the other end and scored to make it 2-1.

Raging punters believed John Beaton should have pointed to the spot, and that if he missed it, VAR McLean should have stepped in from Clydesdale House. But neither did and Vaclav Cerny's goal stood, putting Rangers back in front and on their way to an important victory.

Chris Sutton and Kris Boyd presented a united front on Sky Sports after the game, agreeing there was insufficient contact for a spot-kick. But former whistler Roache, joining Keith Jackson and Daniel Caw on our Sunday live show, can't believe a penalty wasn't given.

He said: "It's very clear, it's a penalty. Nsiala has got two hands quite clearly on Wilson's back. It doesn't matter where the ball is or what's happening, he's completely impeded the player having any attempt to go for the ball. Nsiala was never going to get the ball anyway, but the fact he's pushed him through the back with two hands – it's a foul.

"I'm very surprised (VAR didn't get involved). Steven McLean was the VAR, he's obviously very experienced. I'm very surprised he didn't get involved. Most right-minded people watching football would expect a penalty for that.

"It's two hands in the back. It's a foul in the penalty area. If