Premiership boss told to 'stop greeting' over Rangers incident as ex-refs claim there's no proof in pudding

Former Rangers winger Neil McCann has been told to ‘stop greeting’ over his claim that his Kilmarnock side should’ve had a penalty in their 3-1 defeat at Ibrox - unless he can show proof.

The Killie boss was adamant there was a ‘handball’ in the build-up to Kevin Kelsy’s goal in the 24th minute, which gave Rangers a commanding early 2-0 lead after Ryan Naderi’s opener. The Venezuelan lost his footing after receiving the ball from Dan Neil, but was quickly able to return to his feet and strike the ball home.

VAR chose not to intervene with no definitive proof it hit Kelsy’s hand - but McCann begged to differ. After the match, the former Ibrox winger said: “We gifted Rangers three goals today - but I’ve got a real problem with the second one. I think it’s a handball.” Naderi shortly after put the match out of sight for the visitors, who scored a consolation goal at the death through Nicky Clescenco.

Speaking on the Ref’s View podcast, former whistlers Des Roache and Steve Conroy believe the officiating team at Ibrox came to the correct conclusion. The latter had some harsh words for the Kilmarnock gaffer. He said: "I can't see a handball. That doesn't mean that there wasn't a handball - there might have been but 'probably' and 'kinda' and 'looks like' is not good enough.

"So you might have a problem with it, but who cares? Prove it. There is absolutely nothing to suggest there is a foul in that lead up. Believe it was a handball if you want, but that is entirely up to you. But there is nothing to disprove that the team got it right on the field. Move on, end of discussion, stop greeting about it. If you have proof of these things come and show it."

Roache also took issue with McCann’s post-match comments. He added: "Absolutely not [a handball]. Kelsy has chested the ball and fallen down. My interpretation of it is, who can tell if he has handled the ball? We do not have the technology to actually tell that.

“So, VAR can't get involved. The referee hasn't got involved. The assistant referee hasn't got involved, it's a goal. He [Neil McCann] can feel like he has got a real problem with it, but why? There is no critical examination of the handball. No, it's a goal."

(The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly)