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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Butland 'luckiest man on the planet' as huge ref call offers Rangers blunder reprieve

Jack Butland has been branded the "luckiest man on the planet" as he avoided gifting FCSB an early lead against Rangers in the Europa League.

The Ibrox goalkeeper was charged down by David Miculescu in the fourth minute of the league phase match with the FCSB striker tackling Butland and then poking into an empty net.

Miculescu appeared to have won the ball with his foot before bumping into Butland as he rounded the goalkeeper to slot home. Replays later showed Miculescu connect with Butland's foot as well.

However, referee Marco Di Bello adjudged Miculescu to have fouled Butland in the tackle as he ruled out the goal.

A VAR check was carried out on the incident with the on-field decision deemed correct and play restarted with a free-kick inside the Rangers box - much to the relief of Butland.

Ally McCoist on co-commentary reckons Butland was extremely fortunate not to see the incident result in a goal.


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"I think he has given a free-kick and I am not sure it is," said McCoist.

"First thing you have got to say, far too many touches. I'll tell you what, he's got away with one there, Jack Butland. 

"Two heavy touches, it's simply not a free-kick, it's as simple as that. It's a goal.

"Miculescu in my opinion doesn't do anything wrong, in fact he does just about everything right."

Asked whether Butland was expecting a free-kick for the collision, McCoist replied: "See if he is thinking that, he is the luckiest man on the planet, for me."

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