Philippe Clement hits out at 'stupid rule' as key Rangers player ruled out of Europa League crunch match

There was one moment that irritated Rangers manager Philippe Clement during the 2-1 win over Sparta Prague
Andrew Smith
By Andrew Smith
Published 9th Nov 2023, 23:27 BST
Updated 10th Nov 2023, 08:22 BST
Comment
Rangers manager Philippe Clement and defender Connor Goldson at full time after the 2-1 win over Sparta Prague. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)Rangers manager Philippe Clement and defender Connor Goldson at full time after the 2-1 win over Sparta Prague. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)
Rangers manager Philippe Clement and defender Connor Goldson at full time after the 2-1 win over Sparta Prague. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)

Rangers manager Philippe Clement called on the football authorities to initiate a rule change after the solitary moment that caused him to become irascible on the touchline during his side’s solid 2-1 victory over Sparta Prague.

The Europa League success had the Belgian praising the “mature way” his men played out the closing stages after they conceded a 76th minute goal. But he suggested immaturity in the rules application of FIFA and UEFA in the circumstances that surrounded the booking for Connor Goldson in the eighth minute of added time that sees the defender suspended for the visit of Aris in three weeks’ time.

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The centre-back did foul Vaclav Sejk, but the challenge only came after the striker had strayed offside but failed to be flagged for doing so until Goldson’s infringement. “It was first an offside,” said Clement. “I think it’s a stupid rule to wait that long, not only for this situation but also for injuries if you continue playing when you have the risk of a collision or some stupid things.