Alfredo Morelos Rangers injury flashpoint in focus as former Premier League ref insists Kevin Clancy got it right

The former English Premier League referee issued a strong defence of Edwards' tackle.

Sky Sports refereeing pundit Dermot Gallagher insists Kevin Clancy got the controversial decision over Ryan Edwards tackle on Alfredo Morelos spot on.

The whistler has come under fire for failing to even award a free kick against the Dundee United defender when Morelos suffered a knee injury in Saturday's game at Ibrox.

The 4-0 win for Rangers was marred by a series of injuries for the home side, with Morelos the fourth player forced off following Leon Balogun's injury in the warm-up and Ryan Jack and Brandon Barker picking up knocks.

But it was the Colombian's that sparked the most anger with Steven Gerrard insisting he would have been sent off if the roles were reversed.

Neil McCann called for the compliance officer to step in but Gallagher has issued a strong defence of Edwards and backed up Kevin Clancy.

When asked if Claire Whyte will charge Edwards, he told Sky Sports: "I think they’ll say no. This tackle will split lots and lots of people because many people think it’s a red card and a lot of people think it’s not.

"I actually don’t because Edwards plays the ball first, he gets the ball first. It’s unfortunate he follows through and catches Morelos across the knee.

"What would you would say is without a doubt he gets the ball and because of Morelos coming in towards him he catches him. It’s inevitable but I don’t think it’s a red card."

While the host of the show then offers an alternative view to Gallagher and reminds him of past comments that playing the ball first and intent doesn't matter, the former referee insists on this occasion he disagrees.

IFAB rules state that “A tackle or challenge that endangers the safety of an opponent or uses excessive force or brutality must be sanctioned as serious foul play.”

IFAB rules also say: “Using excessive force when a player exceeds the necessary use of force and endangers the safety of an opponent and must be sent off.”

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The key word here is "endanger", but Gallagher wasn't having it as he added: "I couldn’t agree with you more but you have to admit I take everything in isolation, I don’t go collectively on everything.

"I judge everything on its merits and what I would say is Ryan Edwards, without doubt, has played the ball first. He hasn’t gone in with a raised boot, he’s followed through and it’s a consequence of his tackle.

"I think Morelos goes in to win the ball, he gets there slightly after Edwards and I think it’s inevitable there will be a collision and there is a collision and it I unfortunate but you can’t judge every challenge on a physical outcome, you have to judge it on the tackle is made.

"If someone picks up an injury as a consequence of a challenge it can be accidental and I think this is."