Peter Haring gets unanimous Rangers penalty verdict as 'stupid' Hearts decision sparks collapse after VAR steps in

Hearts star Peter Haring has been branded "stupid" after his costly foul on Connor Goldson allowed James Tavernier to level for Rangers to set them on their way to a late, late win at Ibrox.

Lawrence Shankland had put Hearts on course to secure a first Scottish Premiership victory at Ibrox for a decade before substitute Haring pulled Goldson's shirt - and after a VAR check referee John Beaton was sent to the monitor to review the incident. Tavernier stepped up to take his second spot-kick of the afternoon having earlier hit the post but Tavernier made no mistake second time around to level in the final stages of the clash.

Things went from bad to worse for Steven Naismith's men in injury time when Danilo headed into the net to sent the Jambos back to Tynecastle empty-handed. And Michael Stewart was left raging on BBC Sportsound, with the former Gorgie midfielder stating: “Do you know what? It’s a penalty. He’s pulling his jersey. Stupid, stupid play. It’s not that difficult to defend.

"I don’t understand why he is doing it. He has got time to react and run with him. I don’t know how he has lost him, that is just terrible play from Peter Haring to pull his jersey.”

Following Danilo’s goal to win it for Rangers, Stewart said: “Put it this way - had they not got that penalty they would not have won the game. That is not to take away from the fact that it was a penalty. Haring - it’s lazy, silly defending.”

Rory Loy chimed in: “He is wanting the ground to open up and swallow him. You don’t want to walk back in that dressing room with all your teammates are looking at you - because you are not even making an honest attempt. It is so stupid - it has cost them the three points."