Rangers FC were left furious after a dramatic and controversial finish at Ibrox saw them drop crucial points in the title race, with manager Danny Rohl launching a blistering criticism of the officiating team following a late 1–0 defeat that keeps the club four points behind Hearts.The key flashpoint came in the closing stages when Rangers forward Mohamed Gassama went down under a challenge from Fadinger inside a dangerous attacking area. Rangers players immediately appealed for a foul, but the referee waved play on, and VAR opted not to intervene—triggering outrage from the home crowd.
Rohl did not hold back in his post-match reaction, describing the decision as an “obvious missed foul” and questioning how such an incident was not reviewed in greater detail.
“It is incredibly difficult to accept,” Rohl said. “From our view, it is a clear foul on Gassama. At this level, these decisions change games, and tonight it has cost us dearly.”
As Rangers pushed forward in search of a winner, heartbreak struck in stoppage time when Longelo capitalised on a swift counterattack to fire home, silencing the Ibrox crowd and sealing a dramatic late defeat.
The goal not only secured all three points for the visitors but also intensified Rangers’ frustrations, with supporters voicing anger over what they perceived as inconsistent officiating and VAR silence during key moments.
Social media erupted immediately after the final whistle, with fans debating the decision not to award a foul and questioning the role of VAR in such a decisive match. Meanwhile, Rangers players were visibly dejected as they left the pitch, knowing the result could have major implications in the title race.
With this defeat, Rangers now trail Hearts by four points, adding further pressure ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.
Despite the controversy, Rohl insisted his team must respond quickly.
“We cannot change it now,” he added. “We must focus on the next game and make sure we do not let this define our season.”
The fallout from the match is expected to continue in the coming days, with the club likely to review key incidents as debate over the VAR decision continues to grow.
