Dermot Gallagher quashes Rangers penalty controversy as he delivers clear verdict on St Mirren flashpoint

Dermot Gallagher backs the penalty awarded to Rangers against St Mirren, saying defender Ramos clearly didn't win the ball from Penrice.

Nick Walsh's decision to award Rangers a penalty in their weekend win over St Mirren has been defended by former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher. With the score 0-0, St Mirren midfielder Samuel Ramos was adjudged to have fouled Rangers full back James Penrice in the box, and Walsh pointed to the spot.

VAR official Greig Aitken confirmed the decision. Ryan Naderi converted from 12 yards, and Rangers secured victory with a second-half goal from Dan Neil.

The penalty sparked controversy, with Chris Sutton accusing Penrice of exaggerating contact, while former SFA referees Des Roache and Steve Conroy disagreed with the call and expected VAR to overturn it. St Mirren boss Craig McLeish expressed displeasure after the match.

However, Gallagher told Sky Sports' Ref Watch that Walsh had the perfect view and that Ramos clearly didn't win the ball. "The defender definitely doesn't get the ball," Gallagher said. "It's very, very hard to go against the referee in that situation, if at all possible."