Why Dan Casey Rangers red card SHOULD have been given as ex ref pinpoints VAR howler after 'missed incident'

Former referee Bobby Madden has declared Dan Casey should have been shown a red card before he netted Motherwell's winner against Rangers.

The Steelman flew into a ferocious challenge with Rangers kid Ross McCausland that saw Ibrox skipper James Tavernier accuse the Motherwell match-winner of endangering his team-mate’s safety. Rangers boss Philippe Clement was left furious with the treatment of the Light Blues youngster who is now a major doubt for the Europa League clash with Benfica - but the defender swerved even a yellow card after the incident was reviewed by VAR

Casey defended himself following the flashpoint - insisting he did not set out to injure the Northern Ireland cap - will revealing there had been crossed words with a member of the Rangers backroom team as he left the pitch following the 2-1 victory. But former SPFL referee Madden insists Gers were right to feel aggrieved by the decision from on-field whistler Alan Muir and Euan Anderson in the VAR room.

Sharing the tackle to Instagram, Madden said: "You just can't tackle like that anymore. Playing the ball is not a consideration.

"It's all centred around player safety. Did the player show a disregard, caution and yellow card for reckless challenge, or endanger the safety of the opponent, red card for serious foul play.

"VAR had a real opportunity to recommend an on field review to the referee as it was essentially a missed incident as no foul was given live. No significant contact was made with the studs, more by luck than design, but the pace and intensity of the challenge would warrant a red card."