Livingston question 'clear penalty' as Rangers edge Livingston at Ibrox after late Diomande strike

Livingston manager David Martindale questioned why his side were not awarded what he called a 'clear, clear penalty' in the Premiership clash with Rangers at Ibrox, and why VAR did not prompt a review of the incident.

Rangers secured the win thanks to Mohamed Diomande's late strike, leaving Livingston at the bottom of the table with only one league victory this season.

Emmanuel Fernandez headed Rangers ahead in the first half, before Livingston equalised when Tete Yengi outpaced the defence and finished past Jack Butland. Moments later, Yengi's shot appeared to strike Fernandez's arm in the box, but the officials did not award a penalty and did not review the incident.

'I can't understand how that isn't given in our favour,' Martindale told INLIBER Scotland. 'The players have been really hard done by.'

What happened

Midway through the first half, Yengi had a clear chance to net a quick second for Livingston. The Australian's shot struck Fernandez's arm and diverted wide as Butland watched on. Referee Ross Hardie didn't award a penalty, and VAR did not call for a review.

'It's going on target, potentially a goal,' Martindale said. 'If that incident happened at Livingston, it would probably be a penalty. That's a disappointing aspect.'

'In my view, it is a penalty, and no one will change my mind.'

Officials' view

VAR guidance suggested that Fernandez's proximity to Yengi and the arm position meant no handball. Replays, however, suggested Fernandez's arm moved towards the ball while the shot stayed on target, fueling Livingston's frustration. Hardie was not summoned to review the incident.

'I've not had an explanation,' Martindale said. 'We have technology to help get big decisions right in games, and it's disappointing when it's not used properly.'

Pundits' verdict

INLIBER Scotland pundit Michael Stewart on Sportsound: 'I cannot believe that wasn't given. It looks like a clear handball with the arm swinging into the ball.'

Former Rangers defender Richard Foster on Sportsound: 'The arm is tucked in, not outstretched. If it's on target, I don't know. They are lucky not to concede a penalty.'

Key takeaway: VAR decisions continue to spark debate as Livingston argue a handball should have been punished at Ibrox. BBC Sport

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