Scottish League: Pundit reacts to Leon Balogun’s red card offence in Scotland

Dermot Gallagher assessed the sending off of Nigeria and Rangers defender Leon Balogun during the Light Blues’ 3-1 win at Motherwell

There’s no doubt over whether Rangers defender Balogun deserved to be sent off against Motherwell as far as former ref Dermot Gallagher is concerned.

The former Premier League whistler insisted it would ‘always’ be a red card with that type of challenge.

The 33-year old was dismissed just 28 minutes into the clash at Fir Park after lunging challenge on Dean Cornelius, with his outstretched leg going over the ball and catching the Motherwell midfielder.

Leading 1-0 at the time, Rangers were immediately pegged back by a Ross Tierney equaliser but Balogun’s blushes were spared as Scott Wright and James Tavernier secured a 3-1 win for the Light Blues with second half strikes.

On his weekly RefWatch segment on Sky Sports News, ex-ref Gallagher delivered his verdict on Nick Walsh’s decision to issue the red.

Analysing the incident alongside presenter Rob Wotton, he said: “One word Rob. Wow.

“That will always be a red card when you make a challenge like that.

“He goes over the ball.”

Motherwell’s Juhani Ojala avoided the same punishment just moments later after a heavy challenge on Wright.

Walsh opted to brandish a yellow card on that occasion, but fans and pundits alike felt it could have been more.