James Penrice lands scathing new Rangers red card verdict as ex FIFA ref lets rip at 'serious foul play'

Former FIFA ref Keith Hackett criticises referee Ryan Lee for not sending off Rangers' James Penrice for a high boot on Aberdeen's Afeez Aremu in Saturday's Premier Sports Cup semi-final.

Rangers beat Aberdeen 1-0 at Hampden on Saturday to reach the Premier Sports Cup final, but the match was marred by a controversial incident involving Rangers midfielder James Penrice. Midway through the first half, Penrice caught Aberdeen playmaker Afeez Aremu with a high boot above the hip. Many observers felt the force and height of the challenge warranted a red card, but referee Ryan Lee—in charge of his first national semi-final—did not even issue a booking. VAR official John Beaton also chose not to intervene.

The decision sparked widespread criticism from pundits including Michael Stewart and the Ref's View podcast hosts Des Roache and Steve Conroy. Former FIFA referee and PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has now added his voice to the debate, telling Football Insider: "That was clearly serious foul play, and should have seen a red card produced instantly. The fact that no action was taken comes as a surprise. Why was there no intervention by VAR?" Penrice went on to provide the assist for Ryan Naderi's winning goal.