Rangers boss Mark Warburton unhappy with Andy Halliday dismissal

Rangers boss Mark Warburton blasted kill-joy referee Barry Cook for the controversial red-card shown to midfielder Andy Halliday at Cappielow.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Jan 2016, 01:00 BST
Rangers' Barrie McKay (right) celebrates scoring his side's second goal with team-mate Martyn WaghornRangers' Barrie McKay (right) celebrates scoring his side's second goal with team-mate Martyn Waghorn
Rangers' Barrie McKay (right) celebrates scoring his side's second goal with team-mate Martyn Waghorn

His Ibrox side were forced to play out the final 20 minutes of their 2-0 win over Morton a man light after Halliday’s dismissal.

The former Middlesbrough and Bradford battler raised a defiant arm in the direction of the home fans as his team-mates lapped up their second goal scored by Barrie McKay.

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But Cook, on the advice of linesman David McKniff, bizarrely viewed his fist-pump as an offensive gesture and showed him a second yellow.

That left Warburton outraged, especially as Halliday - who has already had a red card against Hibs last month overturned - is now banned for the meeting with third-placed Falkirk on Saturday with no right of appeal.

Warburton - with a heavy dose of sarcasm - said: “I’ve been told that the player was sent off for making an offensive gesture which had incited the Morton fans.

“The player made that fatal mistake of celebrating the second goal. It was scandalous behaviour on his part.

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“We will look at it and say all he has done is shown his passion for the game and for the club.

“We scored a second goal and you have to enjoy it. You have to enjoy football and the nice moments.”

Match report: Page 46

Related topics:Mark WarburtonRangersIbroxBradfordMiddlesbrough