Former Rangers coach and ex-Scotland international, Ally McCoist, has slammed Nigeria defender, Leon Balogun, for a ‘needless challenge’ that got hims sent off during a Scottish Premier League game which the Gers won 3-1 at the Fir Park on Saturday.

Liam Kelly scored an own goal in the 14th minute to put Rangers ahead and Ross Tierney equalised in the 35th minute.

Goals from Scott Wright and James Tavernier gave Rangers the 3-1 win .

However, Balogun’s red card in the 28th minute was a huge talking point in the game, as he was sent off after his studs caught the shin of Dean Cornelius.

Speaking on Sky Sports, McCoist claimed Balogun’s tackle was needless.

“I’m surprised at the challenge, there’s no need to make it really,” said McCoist about Balogun’s action.

“The referee, Nick Walsh, is in absolutely no doubt.

“Do you know something? He takes the ball and his left foot goes over the top of the ball so I can understand the referee’s decision.

“I can totally understand it. I think he catches the ball, but then his foot rolls over the top and he catches Cornelius.

McCoist added: “He [Balogun] definitely takes the ball but unfortunately for him the continuing movement sees him go over the ball and he catches Cornelius.

“I actually don’t have a problem at all with the red card.

“I just don’t think he needs to make the challenge, lovely skill from Cornelius nutmegging Barisic.

” He just overruns it, but he doesn’t need to go there.

“The positioning of the park, how far away he is from the goal, I think it is a needless tackle.

“I think he is a bit lucky because I don’t think he means it, but his left foot goes over the ball and he catches Cornelius.”

Balogun has made 19 Scottish Premier League appearances for the Gers this season.

Rangers are second in the Scottish Premiership on 79 points from 34 games.

By Toju Sote