Kris Boyd has shared his verdict after a controversial moment in the Rangers clash against Athletic Bilbao.
Gers played host to the La Liga outfit at Ibrox in the UEFA Europa League and played out a 0-0 draw.
The game had plenty of controversies and drama, including a red card, but both teams failed to find the back of the net.
Boyd reacts as Rangers have penalty given against them
Boyd believes that the goal was rightly disallowed as the opposing player was ahead of Liam Kelly.
The strike was disallowed but Dujon Sterling’s handball meant that Bilbao had another chance to find the back of the net.
Alejandro Berenguer stepped up to take the penalty but his penalty was well saved by Kelly – who kept a clean sheet.
Boyd told Sky Sports news at 9:37pm: “I do not think it will stand, he is ahead of Kelly, it is very, very tight. He is not offside the first time and they are also checking for a handball, which it is not.
“Now they are checking for a penalty as there is a little touch on Sterling’s hand… does it hit his hand? Yes, but his hand is outstretched, it brushes his hand.
“Ferguson’s decision to pick Kelly is justified – but what a save it is! Berenguer was too casual though.”
Barry Ferguson vindicated by starting Kelly in goal
Barry Ferguson’s bold move to start Kelly over Jack Butland against Athletic Bilbao paid dividends, proving his instincts spot-on.
Kelly, often overshadowed, rose to the occasion, delivering a string of vital saves – none more critical than his penalty stop, diving sharply to his left to preserve a 0-0 scoreline after Robin Propper’s early red card left Gers reeling.
His heroics under relentless Bilbao pressure showcased a composure that justified Ferguson’s gamble, especially with Butland’s recent wobbles in mind.
Keeping Kelly as the league number one makes perfect sense as his growing rapport with a fragile backline needs nurturing through consistent game time.
With the second leg in Bilbao looming, the 29-year-old’s momentum positions him as the natural choice to stay between the sticks for Rangers.
Ferguson’s decision, though risky, exposed Kelly’s untapped potential, offering a fresh, reliable option to steady Gers’ backline across competitions.
Butland’s big-stage pedigree took a backseat, and rightly so, Kelly’s performance screamed that he’s ready to lead the line, vindicating Ferguson’s faith in a defining moment.
