Rangers Return to Winning Ways Against Hearts Amid Controversy
Rangers secured a 3-1 victory over Hearts at Tynecastle on Sunday, though the game was overshadowed by drama.
Despite the convincing scoreline, the match was far from one-sided, with Hearts creating numerous chances and scoring two own goals that twice handed Rangers the lead.
While the visitors had their fair share of fortune, controversy struck when Hearts believed they should have been awarded a penalty just moments before Rangers’ second goal.
Nsiala’s VAR Gamble
The incident in question involved Clinton Nsiala, who appeared to shove James Wilson in the Rangers box. Hearts appealed for a penalty, but the referee waved play on, and VAR opted not to intervene.
Immediately after, Rangers launched an attack that ended with Vaclav Cerny putting them 2-1 ahead.
Speaking on BBC Sportscene (16 February, 22:30), Stephen McGinn felt the correct decision was made:
“Nsiala took a risk with VAR because the more you slow it down, the more it looks like a foul. But in real time, I didn’t think there was enough contact for a penalty. As an attacking team, you’re desperate for it, but Nsiala got away with one.”
Fortune Favours Rangers
McGinn’s assessment suggests there wasn’t enough in Nsiala’s challenge to warrant a penalty, but Hearts had every right to be frustrated that VAR didn’t even review the decision. Nsiala, meanwhile, will be relieved that his physicality went unpunished.
For Rangers, the most important thing was securing three points, narrowing the gap to Celtic back to 13 points. Goalkeeper Jack Butland played a crucial role, producing key saves to keep his side in the game.
Despite the win, questions remain over Philippe Clement’s future at Ibrox, with performances still under scrutiny. Rangers face St Mirren and Kilmarnock to close out February, and Clement needs two strong results to restore any confidence.
With pressure mounting, Clement can ill afford any more drama—he needs straightforward wins if he hopes to remain in charge beyond this season.
