Mackay baffled that Gers’ Sands didn’t see red
Ross County boss Malky Mackay branded referee Don Robertson’s decision not to send off Rangers’ defender James Sands as “inexplicable”.
He had already been booked for a foul on striker Jordy Hiwuala when he committed a challenge on the same player that seemed worthy of at least a caution.
There was no scoring in the game at that point.
Mackay said: “Sands pulls down Jordy with two hands around his waist.
“He’d been booked but it’s inexplicable how it’s not a straight red, never mind a booking, which would take him off.
“They took him off at half-time, which shows what they think.
“I can’t see how anyone who sees it on TV will think differently.
“The dynamics of the game change if he goes off. I’m not saying what might happen, but Aberdeen against Livingston was 0-0 when Livingston lose a player and it ends up 5-0 Aberdeen.
“It was very straightforward. There was no need for him to go down, he rolled him and he was away. We are disappointed with that.
“It makes it more sore that we’ve had two players cited and banned retrospectively by the SFA during the week (Jack Baldwin and Ross Callachan).
“You need correct decisions to go for you at Ibrox.
“At the end of the game I wonder if Don realises something isn’t quite right because he said if he got it wrong he’d call me.
“It’s one of those things. VAR will hopefully clear this up but it doesn’t make it any better this time.”
Rangers hooked Sands at the break and replaced him with Leon King.
The teenager was delighted to get his chance. He said: “It’s always great being a young player getting the nod to pay in front of Ibrox.
“It’s still surreal, being a boyhood fan of the club. It’s amazing.
“I have these top-class players to learn from and if I get my chance I’m there to grasp it with both hands.
“Everyone has been amazing, especially Connor and Tav, the lads who play alongside me.
“They take me under their wing and make sure I’m OK.
“I was solely focused on this club and I’m delighted to still be here. It would be amazing to get a run out on Tuesday against Queen of the South.
“I’m looking to get 90 minutes in the tank and play as many games as I can.”
King is thrilled at the prospect of being involved in Champions League nights.
He went on: “I’m not old enough to remember when the club were last in the Champions League, so I’m looking forward to all of the games.”