Rangers hero Ally McCoist gives Motherwell red card verdict as he backs Callum Slattery

ALLY MCCOIST has shown sympathy with Motherwell midfielder Callum Slattery after he was sent off against Rangers.

The Fir Park side were reduced to ten men in the second-half when referee Nick Walsh dismissed the Englishman for a flailing arm against Gers star Todd Cantwell.

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Referee Nick Walsh sent off Slattery for a raised arm on Todd CantwellCredit: PA

With 15 minutes of the match in North Lanarkshire remaining and Michael Beale’s side leading 4-2, Slattery was given his marching orders – all but ending his side’s chances of a late comeback.

Already booked for a needless challenge on John Lundstram in the first-half, Slattery was sent for an early bath after raising his arm to Cantwell when jostling for possession.

The Rangers man went down holding his face and referee Walsh showed no hesitation in sending the Motherwell man for an early bath.

But his dismissal received sympathy from Gers legend Ally McCoist, who described Slattery as “unlucky”.

Commentating on the action between his old team and Stewart Kettlewell’s side, McCoist said on Sky Sports: “There’s definitely a flailing arm that catches Cantwell, there’s no doubt about that.

“He’s a little bit unlucky, I know in the modern day you can’t raise your hands at all.

“I don’t think there’s a deliberate attempt to hurt the player, I genuinely think he’s trying to fend him off more than anything.

“I can understand how he’s given a yellow card, but at the same time I’ve got a great degree of sympathy.”

Rangers reduced the gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership table to six points for a few hour sat least with the victory against the Steelmen in the early Saturday kick off.

Once again, Beale’s side had to come back from a goal down after a nightmare start when Kevin van Veen slotted home early on.

The Gers equalised through a James Tavernier free-kick in the opening 45. The foul was actually given away by Slattery for his first cautioning of the game.

After the interval, a Fashion Sakala header put the away side in front before Bevis Mugabi levelled for 2-2.

A first goal in blue for Cantwell and a fine strike from substitute Malik Tillman secured all three points for the Ibrox club.

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