An ex-FIFA official has weighed in on what Rangers’ defense could look like in their upcoming appeal regarding the controversial red card issued to Ahmed Diomande in the recent Rangers vs Dundee derby. The incident in question occurred during a tense match in the Scottish Premiership, where Diomande was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Dundee’s defender.
The former FIFA official, who has extensive experience in football law, believes that Rangers’ legal team will focus on several key aspects to argue for the overturning of the red card. First, they will likely challenge the referee’s decision based on the severity of the tackle. Diomande, who was visibly frustrated with the decision, argued that his challenge was not dangerous and was merely an unfortunate mistimed tackle. Rangers are expected to argue that the challenge did not meet the criteria for a red card, which typically involves serious foul play or endangering the safety of the opponent.
One of the key points Rangers are likely to emphasize is that the tackle was not made with excessive force, and that Diomande’s foot was low, causing minimal contact with the Dundee player. The defense will likely argue that a yellow card would have been a more appropriate punishment. The FIFA official also noted that Rangers may reference previous similar incidents in the Premiership, where players were given yellow cards for comparable challenges, in an effort to highlight the inconsistency of the decision.
Another angle the defense might explore is the role of video technology. While VAR is not always in use for every match in Scotland, Rangers could present footage from the game to suggest that the decision was a clear error. The ex-FIFA official suggested that this evidence could provide a clearer picture of the incident, potentially showing that the contact made by Diomande did not warrant a sending-off.
Rangers are also expected to argue that Diomande’s challenge was not malicious, but rather an unfortunate misjudgment in a high-speed derby match. The defense will likely stress the player’s clean disciplinary record as evidence of his character and intent.
The appeal, which will be heard by the Scottish Football Association’s Judicial Panel, could have significant consequences for Rangers. If successful, Diomande would be cleared to play in upcoming matches, including a crucial clash in the title race. However, if the appeal fails, Rangers could face a suspension for the striker, which would test their attacking options for the remainder of the season.
