Dermot Gallagher gives verdict on controversial Rangers penalty against St Mirren

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has supported the decision to award Rangers a penalty during their 2-0 victory over St Mirren, backing both Nick Walsh’s initial call and the subsequent VAR review.

The controversial incident occurred during Saturday’s encounter in Paisley, with the score still goalless when St Mirren midfielder Samuel Ramos challenged Rangers defender James Penrice inside the penalty area.

Referee Walsh was close to the action and immediately pointed to the spot after deciding that Ramos had committed a foul. VAR official Greig Aitken subsequently reviewed the incident and allowed the on-field decision to stand.

Ryan Naderi took responsibility from 12 yards and converted the penalty to give Rangers the advantage.

The visitors eventually secured all three points, with summer signing Dan Neil adding a second goal through a deflected effort in the second half.

Derek McInnes’ side head into the international break four points behind Premiership leaders Celtic, with a game in hand. They also have a Premier Sports Cup final against Hibernian scheduled for December 13.

However, Rangers’ penalty decision continued to generate debate after the match, with several former officials and pundits questioning whether Penrice had done enough to earn the spot-kick.

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton was particularly critical, accusing the Rangers defender of deceiving the referee to win the penalty. Former SFA referees Des Roache and Steve Conroy also disagreed with the decision and believed VAR should have recommended an intervention.

St Mirren manager Craig McLeish was similarly unhappy with the award, although he was measured in his post-match comments.

Gallagher, however, has offered a different assessment, insisting that Walsh had an excellent view of the challenge and was justified in awarding the penalty.

Dermot Gallagher backs Nick Walsh over Rangers penalty decision

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, the former Premier League official explained why he had no major concerns about the referee’s decision.

Gallagher, who officiated in England’s top flight between 1992 and 2007, focused on the fact that Ramos failed to make contact with the ball while challenging Penrice.

He said:

“You couldn’t have a better view than what the referee had. The defender definitely doesn’t get the ball. Look where the referee is, he’s got the perfect view.

“The Rangers player has played the ball and he (Ramos) doesn’t. It’s very, very hard to go against the referee in that situation, if at all possible.”

Gallagher’s assessment provides support for Walsh and VAR official Aitken, despite the criticism surrounding the decision.

While opinions remain divided over whether the contact was sufficient to warrant a penalty, the former referee believes the official’s position and the failure of Ramos to win the ball justified allowing the original decision to stand.