​Rangers controversy as Jefte sent off in 'worst referee decision ever' with VAR unable to intervene​

Jefte was in disbelief after being sent off

Jefte was in disbelief after being sent off

BBC
Stuart Ballard

By Stuart Ballard


Published: 13/08/2024

- 21:36

Updated: 13/08/2024

- 21:41

Rangers were facing off against Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League third qualifying round

Rangers fans have been left incensed with Italian referee Marco Guida for his controversial decision to send Jefte off in the second half of their Champions League third qualifying round tie against Dynamo Kyiv.

The Scottish side were looking to book their spot in a play-off tie with RB Salzburg in a tense clash with Dynamo Kyiv.


The first leg between the two sides ended 1-1 in Poland last week and the match was finely poised heading into the second half at the Ibrox.

But Rangers' chances were significantly dented when Jefte was shown a second yellow for what appeared to be a 50-50 challenge Oleksandr Karavaev.

Jefte was in disbelief after being sent off

Jefte was in disbelief after being sent off

BBC

Boos runs around the Ibrox as a bemused Jefte stormed off the pitch, leaving Rangers to play the final 40 minutes with 10 men.

The decision caused uproar online with fans branding it one of the 'worst referee decisions ever'.

One fan moaned: "Just seen the Jefte red card, disgusting from the ref."

Another angrily posted: "That second yellow for Jefte up there with one of the worst referee decisions I've ever seen."

A third wrote: "That's one of the worst decisions you'll see. It's not even a foul."

One other person said: "Absolute joke of a decision no way is that a second yellow."

Another message read: "That is one of the worst red card decisions I have ever seen."

With Jefte receiving a second yellow card as opposed to a straight red, VAR was unable to intervene.

Former Scotland international Kris Boyd was similarly left in disbelief at Jefte's sending off.

Jefte pleaded his innocence on the pitch

Jefte pleaded his innocence on the pitch

BBC

"It's never a yellow card," he said on Sky Sports.

"You've got to use your hands to jump.

"If that is a yellow card now I don't know where the game's gone.

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Jefte appeared to make minimal contact with his opponent

Jefte appeared to make minimal contact with his opponent

BBC

"But it's not going to be rescinded that's for sure."

Rangers had to try and hang on with 10 men for the remainder of the match but Kyiv got the breakthrough on the 82nd minute with Oleksandr Pikhalyonok scoring a belter to put them in front.

The tie was then put out of reach for Rangers just seconds later when Nazar Voloshyn doubled his side's lead.

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