Alious
Rangers held firm in a gritty goalless draw against Athletic Bilbao at Ibrox, despite being reduced to ten men early on, in a result that keeps their Europa League hopes alive heading into the second leg in Spain.
The Scottish side showed impressive resilience after Robin Propper was shown a red card early in the contest on Thursday night (10 April), but the night’s most talked-about moment came when referee Istvan Kovacs awarded a highly contentious penalty to the visitors for a handball by Dujon Sterling. The decision sparked immediate backlash—and could have serious consequences for the Romanian official.
VAR Drama Sparks Fury
The controversial call came during a tense first half, with Sterling penalised for an alleged handball while tussling for possession inside the box. After a VAR review, Kovacs pointed to the spot, despite clear arguments that the contact was incidental and not worthy of punishment.
Fortunately for Rangers, Alex Berenguer’s penalty was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Liam Kelly, sparing the home side from going behind. The incident, however, has drawn heavy criticism from pundits and supporters alike, with former Rangers player Derek Ferguson declaring it an “outrageous” decision.
Ferguson: “Never a Penalty”
Speaking exclusively to *Ibrox News*, Ferguson slammed the referee and VAR team for the call:
“It was never a penalty. Sterling’s arm is in a natural position while battling with an opponent—there’s no advantage gained. These types of incidents have been waved away recently, yet VAR steps in here and makes the wrong call.”
He continued: “The fact it went to review and still stood is what’s baffling. The referee may now face scrutiny, because decisions like that are simply not being given elsewhere. Thankfully, Kelly’s save gave the team—and the crowd—a massive lift.”
Rangers Stay in the Fight
The draw means Rangers head to the intimidating San Mames still very much in contention for a semi-final spot. While Athletic will be favourites on home turf, the Scottish side have defied the odds in Europe before, as seen during their run to the final in 2022.
Barry Ferguson’s men will turn their attention to domestic matters with a trip to Aberdeen looming, but supporters are already eyeing the crucial return leg in Spain. Despite the underdog label, Rangers have given themselves a fighting chance—though all eyes may remain on UEFA and whether Kovacs faces any consequences for a call that could have shifted the tie.
Alious
