NafisaDerek McInnes’ first competitive match as Rangers manager ended with plenty of drama, but it wasn’t just the action on the pitch that had supporters talking long after the final whistle.
The Light Blues were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Dundee United at Tannadice after a frustrating evening that saw them battle back from behind but fail to find a late winner.
As emotions spilled over in the closing moments, Rangers players surrounded the match officials following one hugely controversial decision that left the visitors convinced they had been denied.
The tension didn’t end with the final whistle either.
Television cameras caught McInnes making his way towards referee Nick Walsh immediately after the match, with the Rangers boss appearing visibly frustrated as he confronted the official before eventually heading down the tunnel.
The incident quickly became one of the biggest talking points of the opening weekend, with many supporters praising their manager for standing up for his players.
However, speaking after the game, McInnes admitted he regretted the way he handled the situation.
The Rangers boss revealed he should never have confronted Walsh on the pitch, insisting his emotions got the better of him in the heat of the moment.
Asked about the controversial incident, McInnes said:
«“Yeah, that is what it is. I actually went in and spoke to the ref. I shouldn’t have approached him on the pitch. But I did, aye.»
«”It was just the player’s reaction as well. I should have just approached him in the referee’s room after the game which I did do.”»
The flashpoint came only moments before full-time when Mohamed Diomande went to ground inside the Dundee United penalty area following a challenge from Emmanuel Agyei.
Rangers immediately appealed, believing they should have been awarded either a corner kick or a penalty.
Instead, Nick Walsh pointed for a goal kick, with VAR choosing not to intervene or recommend an on-field review.
That decision infuriated the Rangers bench and players alike, leading to emotional scenes after the final whistle as several Light Blues stars surrounded the referee.
The controversy somewhat overshadowed what had been an entertaining Premiership opener.
Dundee United struck first through Lachlan Rose before Thelo Aasgaard produced a moment of quality to bring Rangers level.
Jim Goodwin’s side also created several dangerous opportunities and could easily have claimed all three points themselves, while Rangers were left believing the late penalty incident denied them the chance to snatch victory.
Although McInnes has accepted he should have waited until after the match to speak with Walsh privately, there is little doubt the controversial decision—and VAR’s refusal to intervene—will continue to be debated by Rangers supporters in the days ahead.
Nafisa
