RIGHT CALL

Dundee United star Edwards SHOULDN’T be banned for challenge on Rangers ace Morelos, says Gallagher

DERMOT GALLAGHER insists Ryan Edwards SHOULDN'T be given a retrospective ban for his tackle on Alfredo Morelos.

The Rangers striker was stretchered off after a high challenge from the Dundee United star left him with a nasty gash on his leg.

SFA compliance officer Clare Whyte could now review Edwards' tackle on the Light Blues star.

But former English Premier League referee Gallagher says it shouldn't result in a retrospective ban.

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, many people think it's not.

 "I actually don't think because Edwards plays the ball first, he gets the ball first.

"It's unfortunate he follows through and he catches Morelos across the knee.

"What you can say without doubt is that he gets the ball.

"There's no doubt he gets the ball and because of Morelos coming in towards him, he catches him.

"I think there's going to be a collision, I think it's inevitable, but I don't think it's a red card."

When pointed out that he has previously said that winning the ball is not a defence, Gallagher defended himself.

He added: "I couldn't agree more but you have to admit that I do take everything in isolation.

"I don't go collectively on something, I judge everything on its merits.

"And what I would say is that Ryan Edwards without a doubt played the ball first. There's no doubt about that.

"He hasn't gone in with a raised boot, I think he's followed through as a consequence of his tackle.

"I think Morelos goes to win the ball and he gets there slightly after Edwards.

"I think it's inevitable there's going to be a collision and there is a collision, and it's unfortunate.

"But you can't judge every challenge on a physical outcome, you have to judge it on how the tackle was made.

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

Gallagher's fellow panelist Stephen Warnock agreed as he admitted he didn't think the challenge was even worth a booking.

But Sue Smith reckoned that it was at least worth a yellow card.

Gerrard refused to slam United defender Edwards for the challenge on Morelos and hopes to have the striker fit for Thursday's Europa League clash against Lincoln Red Imps.

But he added: "I don't want to say the kid should have got this or that. I don't want to be that type of manager.

"But what I would say is I'd be very interested to see what the decision would have been from the officials if it was Alfredo who's made that tackle. 

"He's come away a lucky boy and it's only a gash. That should give him an outside chance for Thursday."