The mega Rangers vs Braga ref and VAR calls from ‘stupid’ Raskin headbutt to triple penalty controversy

Rangers manager Danny Rohl shared his thoughts after his team played out a 1-1 draw with SC Braga in the Europa League — a match overshadowed by officiating decisions and VAR drama.

The Ibrox side earned their first point of the competition, but it came on a chaotic night. James Tavernier’s spot-kick was cancelled out by an equaliser from 10-man Braga, and the game was littered with contentious moments involving Dutch referee Allard Lindhout and VAR official Pol van Boekel.

Gabri Martinez’s goal levelled the score, but that moment alone did not define the evening.

The officiating team found themselves at the heart of several debates, with both clubs eventually finishing the match a player short after Mohamed Diomande was dismissed late on.

Here are the major incidents that sparked discussion among pundits and supporters:

Gassama’s Penalty Appeal

Djeidi Gassama went down while challenging Víctor Gómez for a header inside the box. The referee waved play on, and VAR checked the incident briefly before confirming no penalty. TNT Sports’ Ally McCoist was adamant it should have been awarded.

“I think he slips, and he definitely fouls him,” McCoist said. “It’s a shove. Gassama loses balance — it looks like I’m the only one who sees that.”

Fran Navarro Handball Decision

Rangers were given a penalty after the ball struck Fran Navarro’s arm, though McCoist initially described the call as “harsh.” Referee Lindhout allowed play to continue until VAR intervened, sending him to the monitor. The handball was eventually confirmed, and Tavernier converted.

While McCoist conceded the ball struck the arm, he questioned the fairness:
“It definitely hits his arm, but I don’t know. I’m old school — I think it’s harsh.

He probably doesn’t even know it hits him. I’m happy Rangers got it, but I’d be disappointed if it went against me.”

Former Rangers defender Alan Hutton countered at halftime, pointing out Navarro’s movement:
“He throws his arm out. When your arm is outstretched like that, it’s always going to be a penalty. He flinched from contact and put his arm there.”

Rodrigo Zalazar Sent Off

Braga’s Rodrigo Zalazar was shown a red card for an attempted headbutt on Nicolas Raskin — an incident spotted by VAR. With Rohl hunting his first European victory, the dismissal offered Rangers hope of escaping the foot of the league phase table.

After reviewing the footage, the referee issued a straight red. McCoist didn’t mince words:
“It’s stupidity. Absolutely ridiculous. It’s not even a proper headbutt — more of a downward motion — but he can’t complain.”

Ex-Rangers player Andy Halliday agreed on BBC Sportsound:
“There’s no doubt he makes the motion toward Raskin. Total madness. Whether there’s much contact or not, the intent is there.”

Miovski Handball Claims

Braga players later appealed for handball after the ball ricocheted off Bojan Miovski in the box following a challenge with Gustaf Lagerbielke. Halliday dismissed their claims immediately:

“My first thought was that it was above the shoulder, but it’s above the shirt line. I can’t see that being given.”

McCoist echoed the sentiment:
“I didn’t think it was. They have to check it, but still.”

Mohamed Diomande Sees Red

In the dying minutes, Diomande was shown a second yellow card. Braga argued he had elbowed Ricardo Horta, prompting the referee to act. Halliday was frustrated:
“The referee’s bought it.

It’s a second yellow, but I don’t think there’s intent. He’s using his arm for leverage. Braga players did that all night — slightest contact, down holding their face — and the referee fell for it.”