'Lucky boy' - Ex-Southampton forward reacts to Balogun's controversial tackle during Aberdeen v Rangers

Former Southampton forward Neil McCann believes Leon Balogun was ‘fortunate’ to avoid a more severe punishment following his controversial tackle during Rangers' 2-1 loss to Aberdeen on Wednesday night.

The Super Eagles defender's challenge in the 26th minute, which prevented Ester Sokler from scoring, has since sparked debate among fans and pundits.

The match was a thrilling clash, with Nicky Devlin giving Aberdeen the lead in the 31st minute, capitalizing on Topi Keskinen's assist but Rangers equalized in the 63rd minute through Nedim Bajrami’s composed finish.

However, Aberdeen reclaimed the lead in the 74th minute when Shayden Morris unleashed a powerful shot after a scramble in the box, sealing victory for the hosts.

The game saw several controversial moments, with Balogun’s tackle being a significant talking point. 

Racing to intercept Sokler, Balogun’s tackle was deemed fair by the referee, who refrained from penalizing him.

This decision stirred immediate reactions from fans and experts, with McCann analyzing the incident on BBC Scotland’s Sportscene.

McCann backed the referee's decision but remarked that Balogun was lucky, given the intensity of the tackle.

"Just about, but he’s a lucky boy," McCann said. "This is last ditch, this is everything in this challenge, he just gets the slightest touch on the ball. Sokler has gone through, he cleans him out."

"The problem, I think, we’ve got [is] we all want… I know Sokler gets a touch there, but watch the touch from Balogun as it moves on just there. He gets a touch on the ball, which diverts it, then cleans Sokler out."

McCann highlighted ongoing inconsistencies in officiating tackles, noting that players were often penalized last season for similar challenges that involved follow-through contact deemed dangerous.

"I think what we’re all looking for is there’s a real inconsistency at times, particularly last season we saw players going in, winning the ball but the follow-through then being deemed dangerous and getting red cards and bigger punishments," McCann continued.

"I don’t think it’s a clear and obvious error for VAR to step in, so we want guys making tackles like that and if they win the ball being given the right decision, which I think it is."

Balogun played the full 90 minutes, picking up a booking in the 78th minute.

Fellow Nigerian Cyril Dessers was substituted in the 83rd minute for Moroccan striker Hamza Igamane, while Aberdeen’s Ester Sokler made way for Peter Ambrose in the 67th minute.

Adeyemi Adewale

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