Rangers: Manager Philippe Clement on handball 'grey zone'

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Rangers recovered from Kilmarnock's penalty opener to win 2-1 at Rugby Park on Wednesday nightImage source, SNS
Image caption,

Rangers recovered from Kilmarnock's penalty opener to win 2-1 at Rugby Park on Wednesday night

Rangers boss Philippe Clement has described the uncertainty over handball rules as the "grey zone" and would like clearer regulations to help officials.

John Lundstram conceded a penalty in Rangers' midweek Premiership win at Kilmarnock after a cross hit his arm.

And Clement wondered why his side did not get a spot-kick when home defender Lewis Mayo appeared to handle.

"I hope there can be more clarity in the future," he said. "I know there are decisions made in a grey zone."

The Ibrox boss continued: "I don't think for the handball rule it has become easier for referees or the VAR. It has become more difficult with the rule and the way it is decided by Uefa and Fifa.

"My job is to explain to my players what is handball or not. If they come on to the pitch feeling there is an injustice then we have a problem.

"I don't say that was the case, but it needs to be really clear what is handball or not. I don't think it is good for the game if all the players running around with their hands on the back, like you see now.

"It is not good for the game if players run around like penguins."

Cortes missing with muscle problem

Rangers will be without Oscar Cortes for Saturday's home game against Motherwell, with Clement unsure how long the Colombia winger will be missing.

The 20-year-old January arrival scored in the 5-0 thrashing of Hearts at Ibrox last weekend but had to come off at Rugby Park.

"Oscar will be out, I don't know how long," said Clement. "We are looking into that with the doctor and specialist. It is a muscle injury, but I cannot say much more at the moment."

Striker Kemar Roofe and midfielder Ryan Jack return for the Premiership leaders, who are unbeaten in 57 top-flight games against Motherwell.

"I don't want to speak about a half-empty glass," added the Belgian.

"I am focused now on the players who are available for this game, because otherwise I would have lost a lot of energy in the last couple of months and that is useless.

"It is a pity for him [Cortes] and the team, but it is an opportunity for another player to show it and to do it, it works like that."

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