Pundit brands Rangers red card 'indefensible' as goalkeeper stretchered off
The striker was stretching for a long ball when he clashed with the goalkeeper in mid-air but the Rangers player’s foot was high off the ground and caught the Czech stopper in the face.
Charlie Adam on BBC Scotland said the challenge was “indefensible” adding: “If Roofe goes with his head, he’s got more chance of the goalkeeper taking him out and winning a penalty.”
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Hide AdFellow BBC pundit Michael Stewart added: “It's a horrible situation where something happens in a split second. You cannot defend it, it's a definite red card, but I don't think it's malicious.”
Ex-Rangers star Peter Lovenkrands was also in agreement over the referee’s decision: “Roofe can easily kick that ball and bring his foot down. To me, I think he can get his foot out of the way of the goalkeepers head. It's a definite red card.”
Fans watching at home winced at the collision which came just moments after Roofe had been brought on as a substitute.
@JackStewardson_: “That looks bad like. Hope the keeper’s alright.”
@al_lip88: “Terrible attempt for the ball, really dangerous play, deserved red card, wouldn't be surprised if further action is taken. Team been poor tonight, no flow to the game, ref hasn't helped that. Slavia better team unfortunately.”
@DanWestwell: “He had every right to go for that ball but clearly it ended up being dangerous so we can't have any complaints with it really. I just hope that's not what is going to cost us now.”
@scottmeden: “He is entitled to go for the ball ... football is finished if you can’t challenge the keeper,” but @Iansmch: “Mate, he kicked him in the head. If that’d been against McGregor we’d be mobilising an army to invade Prague.”
Rangers lost the game 2-0 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate to exit the Europa League.