Cyriel Dessers was the standout performer as Rangers sealed their spot in the quarterfinals of the Premier Sports Cup following a 2-0 win against St Johnstone at Hampden at the weekend, with the Nigeria international grabbing a goal and an assist.
There was a little bit of controversy surrounding his goal as it was originally disallowed for a foul by the Rangers number 9 but the goal stood after referee Matthew MacDermid reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor.
The referee initially blew for a foul on Jack Sanders just before Cyriel Dessers raced forward to finish but the decision was later overturned – much to the anger of the St Johnstone players and fans.
However, it has been argued that VAR should not have intervened as the referee’s decision had an impact on the players.
Offering an explanation shortly after the game, Dessers set the record straight, insisting that he did not foul the defender in the build-up to his goal, adding that Sanders stepped on his foot.
“I got the ball in my pathway and I tried to run. I felt a step on my foot, actually it hurt quite a lot but then I could get through, pass the other defender and then have a finish.
“For me it was not a fault. If it was a fault, I think it was the other way around because he stepped on my foot, not the other way. I didn’t try to trip him or anything.
“I was focused on the ball, only looking at the ball so it was a good goal to score,” Dessers said.
On a personal level, Dessers has had a good start to the season, registering four goal involvements from five appearances despite speculation that linked him with a departure from the Light Blues this summer.
