Rangers boss Smith defends Kyle Lafferty over Old Firm challenge

RANGERS manager Walter Smith has called for an end to the criticism of Kyle Lafferty following his tackle on Celtic's Andreas Hinklel during Sunday's Old Firm clash.

Lafferty was shown a yellow card for the tackle during Sunday's 1-1 draw at Parkhead, although some commentators claimed the 22-year-old should have seen red for the offence.

Manager Smith told his club's official website, www.rangers.co.uk: "I've seen the incident once since the game and Kyle's tackle was a forward's challenge.

"Everyone keeps saying the referee should have acted but the referee did act. He deemed it a yellow card offence and that was it.

"Over the last few seasons, we've gone to Celtic Park for some high-profile games and there have been some meaty challenges.

"This one seems to have attracted a lot of attention when a lot of others seem to have been ignored.

"I think there was a level of frustration in Kyle's challenge but the referee made his decision on it.

"It wasn't a great tackle to make but it wasn't the first time that kind of thing has happened in a football match.

"To be fair, Celtic got on with the game. I didn't see anyone from their side complaining bitterly about it. They just got on with things and we need to move on now."