Rangers returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Heart of Midlothian at Tynecastle on Sunday afternoon, but the hosts - who dominated possession and created more chances - were left aggrieved after referee John Beaton dismissed their strong penalty appeals at a crucial moment.
With the score level at 1-1, Hearts forward James Wilson went down under pressure from Clinton Nsiala inside the box, sparking furious protests from the Gorgie faithful.
Beaton waved play on, and VAR chose not to intervene. Just seconds later, Rangers broke up the pitch and Vaclav Cerny finished clinically to put Philippe Clement’s side ahead for a second time.
A late own goal from Jamie McCart, his second of the afternoon, sealed the visitors’ victory and ensured Hearts’ unbeaten start to 2025 would come to an end.
The decision to deny Hearts a penalty left many scratching their heads, with former Rangers winger Neil McCann among those who felt the home side had been hard done by.
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Speaking on Sky Sports, McCann said: “In hindsight, there are two big hands on his back. I initially thought it was shoulder to shoulder, but you can see there’s definite contact. And then, 40 seconds later, Rangers score at the other end. Hearts will feel aggrieved, and rightly so.”
However, outspoken pundits Chris Sutton and Kris Boyd - often known for their heated disagreements - surprised presenter Eilidh Barbour by agreeing with the officials’ call.
“There has to be sufficient contact for Wilson to go down,” said ex-Celtic striker Sutton.
“And I think he tried to buy it. That’s never a penalty for me. Hearts were the better side, but Rangers took their chances, and that’s what matters.”
Boyd echoed that sentiment, adding simply: “It’s not a penalty. Not for me.”
A slightly shocked Barbour quipped in response: “So we are all in agreement? What has happened?”
The result sees Rangers bounce back from their shock Scottish Cup fifth-round setback, while Hearts are left to reflect on what might have been after a performance that arguably deserved more than a two-goal defeat.
