UEFA quizzed over Athletic v Rangers referee appointment after what’s now emerged

Rangers experienced a harsh exit from the Europa League on Thursday, losing 2-0 to Athletic Bilbao.

Although many agree that the Gers didn’t perform well enough over both legs, the outcome might have been different had a key decision gone in their favor. Cyriel Dessers believed he deserved a penalty when his shirt was tugged by Yeray Alvarez in the box while the match was still goalless.

The Scottish side also had another penalty appeal denied for a handball at San Mames, ultimately succumbing to a 2-0 aggregate defeat in the quarter-finals.

It has since come to light that referee Irfan Peljto has been involved in contentious decisions before.

Athletic Bilbao v Rangers referee previously banned for six matches

Barry Ferguson was furious his side were not awarded those two spot-kicks, and the stand-in Rangers boss will be even more annoyed when he learns of Peljto’s past.

It was pointed out by The Scottish Sun on Friday (18 April) that Peljto was handed a six-match ban earlier this season by his own Football Association.

That is after the Bosnian ref made three mistakes in one match in September’s clash between Zrinjski Mostar and Borac Banja.

Former FIFA referee Keith Hackett has now asked the question to UEFA of exactly why Peljto was placed in charge of such a high-profile fixture.

Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, Hackett said: “Rangers were denied a clear penalty kick when Dessers literally had his shirt ripped off his back.

“Now there’s been news today that this Bosnian blunder ref was banned for six months by his own Football Association earlier this season for a hat-trick of mistakes in one game, which included not giving two penalties.

“One needs to ask is how was he appointed by UEFA to such an important game.“

Rangers now left with only pride to play for

This season rested solely on success in the Europa League, with the domestic campaign having been over for months now.

Rangers still have a month of the Scottish Premiership campaign to play, but it is simply a case of ticking off the games and preparing for next season.

Ferguson will certainly take a different view than that, knowing he has five games to show why he deserves to stay in charge at Ibrox full time.

Ultimately, though, the season ended at the full-time whistle in the Basque Country on Thursday.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE NEWS