Alious
A major flashpoint erupted during the Europa League quarter-final clash between Rangers and Athletic Bilbao at Ibrox, with Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs and the VAR team drawing sharp criticism—especially from Spanish media—for a series of contentious decisions.
The drama began early when Robin Propper was dismissed just 13 minutes into the match for a last-man foul on Inaki Williams following a VAR check. The controversy deepened in the second half when Maroan Sannadi appeared to be fouled in the Rangers box by Leon Balogun. Despite clear contact, VAR declined to intervene, and the striker was astonishingly booked for simulation. Commentators like Liam McLeod on the BBC were adamant that a penalty should have been awarded.
Rangers, despite finishing the game with only nine players due to Dujon Sterling’s late injury, managed to grind out a 0-0 draw and take the tie to a decisive second leg in Spain. But outrage erupted across Spanish media, particularly from journalist Pavel Fernandez of Radio Marca and Gol, who labelled the non-penalty decision “incomprehensible.” He took to social media to express his disbelief, insisting that Sannadi was clearly fouled and that the VAR’s inaction defied explanation.
He wrote: “Sannadi’s penalty is in limbo. The striker was clearly brought down by a knee. Kovacs gave him a yellow for diving. VAR’s failure to act is incomprehensible. It’s a penalty.”
While Propper’s early red card was a blow, some Rangers fans now see it as a potential silver lining, given the defender’s erratic form. His absence opens the door for the more reliable Leon Balogun and the returning John Souttar, who will be back from suspension for the second leg in Bilbao, along with Mohamed Diomande.
Despite Spanish frustration, Bilbao weren’t without fortune themselves—earning a questionable penalty from a Sterling handball that Alex Berenguer ultimately failed to convert.
Rangers now face a daunting return leg at a packed San Mamés, and they’ll need a disciplined, composed performance if they are to survive what promises to be a fiery encounter.
Alious
