Hibernian's Controversial Penalty Decision at Ibrox Explained
David Gray insists Hibernian’s contentious penalty at Ibrox was the only decision Don Robertson could make after VAR stepped in during his side’s dramatic 2-1 win over Rangers.
Josh Campbell’s first-half spot-kick set the tone for a remarkable afternoon in Glasgow, with Callum Wright’s stoppage-time solo goal sealing a famous victory after Jordan Obita’s late own goal had briefly ignited home hopes of a Rangers comeback.
Key Flashpoint
The key flashpoint arrived in that opening period when Vanja Dragojević was penalised for hauling down Jason Kerr at a corner, a call that dominated the debate both during and after the match.
Gray, speaking after full-time, made it clear he backed the officials once he had seen the incident again.
“Straight away the referees have come in and spoke to us about it,” the Easter Road head coach explained, highlighting recent guidance on grappling at set plays. “About that sort of situation because it does happen a lot at corners. There's a lot of contact and a lot of people fully focused on the player rather than the ball.”
In real time, Gray admitted he did not immediately sense the severity of the infringement.
“At the time I didn't think much of it and my goalie coach said straight away it could be a penalty,” he said. The game surged on, Rangers broke up the pitch, and for a moment the incident slipped from Hibs minds. “Then you kind of forget about it after they've broke away and they've pulled it back.”
VAR’s review changed everything. Once Gray watched the replay, his view hardened.
“Seeing it back now I think the officials and VAR have no option but to give it. He's put them in a position where they have to give it. He's not looking at the ball, he's impeding the player that's trying to head the ball and the ball lands in that area.
“It's left the referee no choice but to give the penalty and I think it's the right decision.”
The award handed Campbell the chance to strike from 12 yards, and he duly punished Rangers before Wright’s late burst and finish completed a stunning smash-and-grab that silenced Ibrox and sent Hibs home with all three points.
