'The intent was to put a boot on his head,' says Tavernier as Rangers demand answers from SFA

Rangers are set to demand answers from the SFA over referee Nick Walsh’s decision not to send off Auston Trusty for kicking goalkeeper Jack Butland on the head during today's tempestuous clash at Hampden.

With the Ibrox side down to 10 men following Thelo Aasgaard’s dismissal for a high lunge on Anthony Ralston in the 38th minute, there were appeals for a second red card of the afternoon as Celtic’s Trusty clumsily connected with Butland while he collected the ball at the defender’s feet.

Referee Walsh opted for a yellow instead, leaving Rangers fuming over what they considered a lack of consistency. It’s understood they will now contact head of referees Willie Collum for an explanation.

Manager Danny Rohl sidestepped questions over the incident, but captain James Tavernier revealed he spoke to Walsh about the Trusty clash.

‘He [Walsh] just said it’s obviously [down to] the force of the stamp,’ stated the full-back. ‘But it’s still the intent, the intent is obviously to put a boot on his head. So, no matter if it’s hard or soft, it’s still his head.’

Tavernier conceded Aasgaard’s dismissal was merited but insisted the officials failed to show consistency.

‘I felt that decision [Aasgaard red card] was fair enough. But then decisions throughout the game, I think you obviously have to carry the same approach.

‘Jack gets stood on the head and Dio (Mohamed Diomande) gets stood in the belly. So those have to be levelled off, I believe.’

Meanwhile, Celtic midfielder Arne Engels claimed Aasgaard’s tackle on Ralston was one of the worst he’s seen in professional football.

Despite making contact with the ball first, the Norwegian’s studs were high and his follow through was reckless as he clattered into Ralston.

‘Yeah, that was an incredible tackle, actually. It was crazy,’ said the Belgium midfielder. ‘If you go into somebody like that, that’s just crazy.

‘I was at a good angle to see it, and it really didn’t look good. Those tackles can’t be on a football pitch.

‘Yeah, probably one of the worst [I have seen]. I think the referee made the right decision.’

Ralston added: ‘First of all, it’s high. I’ve got cuts to prove it. I’ve not seen it back personally but, obviously I felt the force as well. He’s gone in with enough force to rip my shorts. You’re running the risk (of a red card) and the boy ran the risk.’