What Nick Walsh did that could HELP Rangers before Mohamed Diomande red card storm erupted
He has been at centre of controversy today after showing Rangers midfielder Mohamed Diomande a red card against Dundee United.
But once the storm has passed Nick Walsh may be owed a thanks by Philippe Clement for his actions earlier this week in the Europa League clash between Union Saint-Gilloise and SC Braga – after he ensured the Belgians would have two players suspended for this week’s Ibrox clash. Clement and the Rangers players were left reeling at Tannadice despite the 3-1 victory after Diomande was shown a straight red card by whistler Walsh following a clash between the Rangers midfielder and Kevin Holt.
Diomande appeared to aim a fresh-air slap at the United defender but the man in the middle was sent to the pitchside monitor to review the incident by the VAR team. However, he decided to stick with his on-field decision – sparking a furious reaction from the Belgian boss as he pledged the club would appeal the punishment dished out to the Ivorian.
But just days ago the whistler was dishing out red cards to the Light Blues' rivals who they will face in their final clash of the league phase. Walsh flashed second yellow cards to Vitor Andrade from Braga and Koki Machida of USG in the closing stages as temperatures skyrocketed.
After full-time, Union's goalkeeper Anthony Moris sparked a row by celebrating in front of Braga star Bruma. The on-field brawl then saw Christian Burgess receive a second yellow for taunting his opponent by sticking out his tongue.
USG boss Sébastien Pocognoli didn't have any arguments at full-time: "What can I say? We lost our cool. It was not needed. Both red cards could have been avoided."
