Martindale Calls for Clarity After Controversial Penalty Decision Against Rangers

Livingston manager David Martindale has voiced his concerns regarding the officials’ decision-making during their recent match against Rangers at Ibrox, particularly questioning the absence of a penalty call for what he described as a “clear, clear penalty.”

In the match, Rangers secured a 1-0 victory with a late goal from Mohamed Diomande, leaving Livingston at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership with only one win this season. After falling behind early to a header from Emmanuel Fernandez, Martindale’s team managed to equalize when Tete Yengi broke past the defense and scored against Jack Butland.

Shortly thereafter, Yengi’s shot—though relatively weak—struck Fernandez’s arm in the penalty area. Despite the evident contact, play continued, and referee Ross Hardie was not instructed by the VAR officials to review the incident.

“For the life of me, I don’t understand how it’s not given in our favor,” Martindale remarked to BBC Scotland. “I think the boys have been hard done by.”

During the first half, Yengi had a significant opportunity to score again for Livingston when the ball fell to him in the Rangers penalty area. His strike deflected off Fernandez’s arm and went wide, leaving a vulnerable Butland exposed. However, Hardie did not award a penalty and was not prompted by VAR to reconsider the decision.

“It’s going on target, could be a goal,” Martindale continued. “I don’t understand why we don’t get a penalty. If that incident occurred at Livingston, I know for certain it would be a penalty against us. That’s a disappointing aspect of this situation.”

Martindale firmly stated, “It’s a penalty, in my opinion, and nobody will change my mind about that.”

Post-match discussions revealed that VAR’s guidance indicated the proximity of Fernandez to Yengi and the position of the defender’s arm contributed to the decision not to penalize. However, replays suggested that Fernandez’s arm moved towards the ball, intensifying Livingston’s frustration.

“I’ve not had an explanation,” Martindale added. “I would argue that his arm is not in a natural position, and he does make a movement towards the ball, which is heading on target. When we invest heavily in technology to ensure accurate decisions, it is disappointing when such an important incident is mishandled.”

BBC Scotland pundit Michael Stewart commented, “I cannot believe that hasn’t been given. It’s outrageous from VAR. Fernandez’s arm is swinging as it hits the ball.”

Former Rangers defender Richard Foster remarked, “His arm is tucked in and not outstretched at all, but if the shot is on target, I don’t know. Upon reviewing it again, I think they are quite lucky—this should have been a penalty. Livingston are very, very unlucky not to have received it.”