Derek Lyle sending-off ‘harsh’ says Mark Warburton

RANGERS manager Mark Warburton described the controversial dismissal of Derek Lyle in his side’s 5-1 win at Queen of the South as “very, very harsh.”

Rangers' Martyn Waghorn (right) celebrates after scoring his side's second. Picture: SNS

Lyle was sent off for motioning his head towards Rob Kiernan two minutes into the second half, with Rangers narrowly leading 1-0.

Warburton said: “The red card was very, very harsh, I’ve got to say. I’m only speaking my mind and you’ve got to be very careful with what you say about match officials, but, for me, that was a big call right at the start of the second half.

“I didn’t see more than two guys throwing handbags at each other and, at the end of the day, two yellow cards or a yellow card maybe, does it. But it’s happened now.”

That was eight straight wins for Rangers since Warburton took control – equalling a record set by Bill Struth in 1920.

He said: “It’s great for the players and it’s got to be about them. If we can maintain that focus it is going to be important for us.

“It’s down to their achievements. They have come here since the first day of pre-season and applied themselves so well, so the eight wins is down to them.”