Boyd and Sutton clash over ‘fortunate’ Rangers handball decision

The incident – which did not require a pitchside review – saw the ball strike Goldson from close range in the box after a touch from Dante Polvara before the ball was then fired at the tumbling defender and again appeared to strike his arm.

Referee Don Robertson was unmoved by appeals as he blew for a free-kick for a foul on Goldson between the first and second handball appeal incidents.

And Rangers hero Boyd blasted fellow pundit Sutton for “clutching at straws” over the appeals as his counterpart reckoned Rangers were “fortunate” not to see a penalty awarded.

Discussing the incident on Sky Sports, Sutton said: “You’ve got the first one where it lands on Goldson’s arm, which is out. But this one I think that is going in. He is falling in front of the ball, making himself bigger. Does that hit him below the shirt line? Let’s have a look here..I think it does.”

But Boyd responded: “It is the supporting arm, back to goal. And I think if we rewind a few weeks ago to Celtic at Rugby Park. You weren’t saying that there….

Questioned by Joe Lewis whether it was a natural position, Boyd added: “Doesn’t make his body bigger though. That is a natural position.”

Sutton continued:  “That possibly there. If it had been at the other end I am sure they would have checked it. I think it hits him a lot lower than the one at Rugby Park.”

READ MORE: Rangers 2 Aberdeen 1: Instant reaction to the burning issues

Quick as a flash, Boyd hit back: “Oh right ok. It was never a penalty at Rugby Park though. Who were Kilmarnock playing that day?

“When I said it was a penalty at Rugby Park I was told to apply the rules of the game. The rules of the game is it is a supporting arm with his back to goal.”

Sutton then added: “They are fortunate Rangers not to have that awarded against them.”

Before Boyd concluded: “Talk about clutching at straws. Let’s move on.”