Michael Stewart maintains that Rangers’ match against Hibs in the Scottish Cup should not have resulted in a penalty kick.

The former Easter Road midfielder was by himself when he made his decision, though, as referee Steven McLean was supported by Billy Dodds and John Collins at Easter Road. When Dujon Sterling rushed into the box, Hibs defender Jordan Obita appeared to trip the dynamic Rangers star.

McLean then gestured to the penalty area, and after a brief check, VAR backed up the man in the middle. This gave James Tavernier the opportunity to take his place. David Marshall stopped his first attempt, but John Lundstram scored the first goal for Philippe Clement’s team when he grabbed the rebound. However, a displeased Stewart maintains that McLean made a critical error in his call, and that VAR would not have overturned it if the whistler had not called the foul. On Viaplay, he stated: “I’m not sure if he clips him.” It’s only awkward.

“Sterling simply moves over after sensing the collision. It’s challenging. That is not a penalty, in my opinion. I believe Sterling trips and falls because he feels some contact. I don’t believe the heels have been clipped.

“I don’t think Obita gets in the way of him, and I believe Sterling has collapsed when he senses any kind of contact. It isn’t a foul in my opinion. There will be contact when playing football, therefore some will claim he shoved him or fell into his back. Nothing that would be considered a foul, in my opinion.

When asked if VAR would step in if a penalty hadn’t been given, Stewart replied, “Maybe.” Yes, he might not have intervened if he had played on VAR. I want to know if he has hindered him when you look at it. Although there is contact, there is no foul.

On Sportsound, however, former Hibs manager Collins supported the match officials. It’s awkward coming from Obita, he said. He needs to correct his foot placement there. There is nothing the referee can do. He has his heels cut.

“As soon as he gets the wrong side of him, you’re just thinking, son, stay away from him, but he’s clipped,” Dodds continued. Steven McLean made the right call. That is not something that I think anyone could argue with.

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