'Anywhere else on the pitch, that's a free kick' - Pundits and manager react to Hibs penalty claims against Rangers

Ianis Hagi’s first-half goal turned out to be the winner for the hosts but the Capital club battled hard for the full 90 minutes and had two second-half penalty claims waved away by referee Willie Collum.

One incident saw Ryan Porteous tumble after a challenge from Gers captain James Tavernier following a corner kick routine while the other involved goalscorer Hagi catching Easter Road midfielder Joe Newell in the face with a high boot inside the area.

Both instances looked like decent shouts for the visitors but the Edinburgh outfit left Govan empty-handed as Rangers held on for victory.

After the match, the Hibs boss insisted his side should have had a penalty from the two incidents.

Speaking to Sky Sports Jack Ross said: “The Ryan Porteous challenge is a penalty kick. I wasn't too sure at the time but having been able to watch it back after the game, for me it's a penalty kick.

"We're trying to grow a mentality at the club that we're never satisfied when we lose games so we've got a disappointed dressing room but it's a day to accentuate the positives.

"I thought they were excellent; to push them as hard as we did is testament to just how far we have come.”

Hibs playmaker Scott Allan, summarising for Sky Sports, said of the Newell incident: “If that happens anywhere else on the park, it's a free kick. Sometimes you get them, sometimes you don't.

"But I think if that challenge happens anywhere else on the pitch then it's a free kick.

"We''ll take the positives from today and look forward to the two home games going into the Betfred Cup semi-final."

Ex-Rangers striker Kris Boyd also felt his former club was fortunate not to have conceded a spot kick.

He said: “Hagi knows: as soon as he hits the deck after the challenge he's looking at the referee. I think he got away with one there. He's been very, very lucky."

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