Hibernian's Controversial Penalty Decision at Ibrox Explained

David Gray insisted Hibernian’s contentious penalty at Ibrox was the only decision Don Robertson could make after VAR stepped in during his side’s dramatic 2-1 win over Rangers.

Josh Campbell buried the first-half spot-kick before Callum Wright’s stoppage-time solo strike completed a remarkable afternoon for the visitors, who had looked like they might collapse when Jordan Obita turned into his own net with five minutes left. Ibrox roared for a late Rangers winner. Hibs had other ideas.

The flashpoint came before all of that, at a first-half corner, when Vanja Dragojević was penalised for dragging down Jason Kerr inside the box. Rangers protested. The home support raged. The debate rolled on long after full-time.

Gray, though, was in no doubt once he’d seen it back.

“Straight away the referees have come in and spoke to us about it,” the Easter Road head coach explained, pointing to recent briefings about grappling at set-plays and the clampdown on defenders who focus on man rather than ball.

“At the time I didn't think much of it and my goalie coach said straight away it could be a penalty. Then you kind of forget about it after they've broke away and they've pulled it back.”

That was the key moment. Play initially continued, Rangers broke, and only when VAR called Robertson to review the incident did the mood inside Ibrox change. The pressure that had been building in Hibs’ box suddenly flipped direction.

“Seeing it back now I think the officials and VAR have no option but to give it,” Gray said. “He's put them in a position where they have to give it. He's not looking at the ball, he's impeding the player that's trying to head the ball and the ball lands in that area.

“It's left the referee no choice but to give the penalty and I think it's the right decision.”

Campbell did the rest from 12 yards, silencing the stadium and handing Hibs the platform for what became a famous away victory. Rangers thought Obita’s late own goal would spark a turnaround. Instead, they were caught cold as Wright surged forward in stoppage time to snatch all three points.

On a day defined by fine margins and one huge call, Gray walked away convinced the officials got the crucial moment exactly right.