Ally McCoist called out referee Matej Jug after he "invented a shove" as Rangers were denied a penalty against Genk.
The Ibrox hero couldn't believe the decision when the Slovenian official signalled for a free-kick after reviewing a possible handball at the pitchside monitor.
James Tavernier had led appeals for a spot-kick after his header in the box struck the arm of Joris Kayembe in the box in the first half of the Europa League contest.
The referee decides that Rangers will not be given a penalty kick for a handball due to a Tavernier foul in the lead up ❌ 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/EM3UghGFRf
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 25, 2025
McCoist initially begrudged the VAR review as he called for a change in handball rules, deeming Kayembe's arm to be in a natural position.
However, citing recent calls, McCoist conceded the referee would likely have to point to the spot.
"He is going to give it. It is not a handball, man," said McCoist.
"Does it hit his arm, yes. I'm a firm believer we have to get the word deliberate in there.
"There is absolutely no way on this earth that is anything like deliberate.
"People will tell you that is unnatural when it is not. His arm is in a completely natural position.
"It definitely hits his arm, we will never know whether it is going in or not.
"The way things are going, you'd be surprised if he doesn't give it now.
"He's not giving it, or is he?"
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Referee Jug called over both captains after reviewing the incident and then signalled for a foul on Kayembe as he ruled Tavernier had pushed the defender before the handball flashpoint.
McCoist was baffled by the call as he slaughtered the referee for backing out of making a decision on the handball matter alone.
He said: "I would actually call that a cop out, that's the biggest cop out you'll see all night.
"He's copped out, the referee.
"He knows he should give a penalty on current form and laws of the game so he has probably invented a shove there, taken the easy way out.
"I would have had more respect for the referee if he had just said, 'I am not giving a penalty for handball'. "
