Barry Ferguson blasts John Beaton over Emmanuel Fernandez call in Rangers F.C. defeat to Heart of Midlothian F.C.

Rangers F.C. defender Emmanuel Fernandez found himself booked by referee John Beaton after what appeared to be a clean challenge on Claudio Braga during Monday’s clash with Heart of Midlothian F.C. at Tynecastle.

The decision left pundits stunned, with Barry Ferguson openly questioning the call as Rangers chased the game at 2-1 down. Speaking during the match, Ferguson insisted Fernandez had clearly won the ball and could not understand why play was halted at such a crucial moment.

Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew echoed that frustration, branding the decision “mad” and arguing it completely disrupted Rangers’ attacking momentum at a key stage of the contest.

The incident proved costly in the wider context of the match, as Rangers went on to suffer defeat—leaving them seven points adrift of the Premiership leaders and significantly denting their title hopes.

Despite a strong first-half showing, where Danny Rohl’s side looked in control, the second period told a different story. Derek McInnes’s team took command after the break, with Rangers struggling to regain their earlier rhythm.

With only three games remaining, attention is now shifting toward how Rangers finish the campaign. While the title appears to be slipping away, the upcoming clash with Celtic F.C. takes on added importance.

For Rohl, ending their rivals’ title ambitions could offer some consolation in what has become a frustrating run-in. Looking further ahead, however, the German coach is likely to face increasing pressure to deliver stronger results next season as expectations at Ibrox continue to rise.