Lee McCulloch backs Rangers red card appeal and reveals why Jose Cifuentes is in mix to land Hampden pardon

The Ecuadorian international now faces missing a huge game for his club this weekend at Hampden.

Rangers’ appeal about Jose Cifuentes’ red card has merit, according to the player, as Kevin Clancy’s call is questioned.

 

In Saturday’s thrilling first half against Dundee, which Philippe Clement’s team won 3-1, the midfield player was sent off.

After checking VAR for a second assessment after the initial judgment to issue a yellow card, Cifuentes arrived late into a tackle with Amadou Bakayoko and judged the midfielder’s collision with the striker sufficient to merit a red card.

Former Ibrox defender Lee McCulloch has backed the decision from his ex-club to appeal the verdict.

If the red stands, it will rule the summer signing from LAFC out of Sunday’s huge Viaplay Cup final with Aberdeen and leave John Lundstram as the only fit central midfielder.

McCulloch doesn’t think there was enough venom behind the action with Clancy deciding it was worthy of marching orders. He told Sky Sports: “I do understand why.

They don’t have many fit people in that part of the pitch. It makes sense to appeal the card in an attempt to try and get him available as they are currently having difficulties in there.

I do believe there is merit to the appeal, and Rangers clearly agreed because they have moved forward with it. The challenge didn’t seem malicious to me. Though I believe he has caught up, there is no malice.

“Whether it is serious, dangerous play, whatever they call it, that will be up for the panel to decide. But I definitely think there is grounds there.”

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