Rangers response: Livingston “astonished” by Silva’s opening goal, defender’s “bad injury,” Celtic not mentioned
Manager Philippe Clement disclosed that Rangers defender Leon Balogun likely suffered a facial injury during their 3-0 victory over Livingston in the cinch Premiership.
Balogun was substituted after a collision with Livingston’s Shaun Donnellan just 22
minutes into the match.
Portuguese striker Fabio Silva, on loan from Wolves, scored his first goal for Rangers in the
40th minute, followed by winger Rabbi Matondo’s goal in first-half added time.
Midfielder Todd Cantwell secured a third goal in the 56th minute, bringing Rangers within three points of league leaders Celtic with a game in hand.
Clement expressed concern about Balogun’s injury, noting it’s likely a facial
fracture, but highlighted the player’s determination to return quickly with the use of a mask.
The decision on his return will be made by the medical staff.
Rangers’ upcoming game against Ross County on February 14 is their chance to close the gap further, with the potential to take the top spot against Aberdeen on Tuesday.
Despite Celtic drawing with Aberdeen earlier in the day, Clement emphasized the team’s focus on their own performance, avoiding distractions from other teams.
Livingston boss David Martindale acknowledged that Celtic dropping points before Rangers’ match provided an energy boost to the Light Blue side.
However, he contested Silva’s goal, suggesting it should have been disallowed due to a challenge by Connor Goldson on Livingston debutant David Carson inside the box.
VAR checked the incident, but the goal stood, leading to Martindale expressing his surprise and disappointment.
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