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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Robbie Copeland

Graham Alexander casts doubt on Rangers red card as amused Motherwell boss takes aim at his snipers

Graham Alexander feels there was "nothing malicious" in Leon Balogun or Juhani Ojala's challenges at Fir Park on Saturday.

Motherwell lost 3-1 to Rangers in an eventful clash that saw Balogun sent off in the first half.

The Nigerian was ordered off for a high challenge on Dean Cornelius and pundits were in agreement that it was a straight red.

However there was some controversy moments later when Ojala caught Scott Wright with a similar challenge which was only punished with a free-kick.

Balogun's red appeared to be costly for Gers as it was shortly followed by a Ross Tierney equaliser, but a second half salvo saw Wright and captain James Tavernier seal a 3-1 win.

(SNS Group)

Speaking after the game, Alexander says he didn't see the similarities between the challenges drawn by the likes of Ally McCoist and Kris Boyd during the game.

He feels both were "firm challenges" but not necessarily meriting red cards.

He told Sky Sports: "I don't think they were similar to be honest. There were bits and pieces going on both sides.

"I haven't seen either of the challenges on the TV, but I didn't see anything malicious in either of them.

"I thought they were both firm tackles but from my angle, I can't see one of them because there were players in the way, and the other one there was no-one blocking. "

Alexander's team know they are safe after securing a top six finish and remain in with a chance of Europe if they can finish in the top five.

But the frosty Motherwell boss feels his team haven't been given the same amount of credit as the likes of Ross County and Dundee United who also secured top six spots.

He added: "I find it quite amusing really that we get in the top six and we get no credit, but other clubs get in the top six and they get lots of credit.

"I don't get that. After 32 games, the league doesn't lie, we're in the top six. We've got more points than six other clubs.

"So I don't know why my players aren't getting the credit others are getting, to be honest.

"I think every club that gets into the top six deserves credit but I don't see why we're not getting that."

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