Rangers 'incidents' example used in Motherwell penalty takedown as Dessers flashpoint asks VAR a cutting question

VAR has been hit with an awkward question as Motherwell boss Stuart Ketllewell stews over a potential missed spot-kick chance for his men against Rangers.

The Steelmen are mired in 11th and lost 2-0 to Philippe Clement's side on Christmas Eve thanks to Kieran Dowell and Todd Cantwell goals early in the first half. But debate has swirled post-match on whether or not Mika Biereth was pulled down in the box by Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers as the Arsenal loanee looked to pounce on a home set-piece. Neither on-field referee David Dickinson or VAR deemed it a penalty.

Kettlewell believes a pull is clear on his striker and he has been left unsure whether or not VAR actually did take the time to look over the incident. He said: "The one that was brought to my attention from our analyst is the pull on Mika Biereth's arm. Backpost he looks favourite to get a touch on the ball. I am seeing them given as penalties constantly.

"I think Rangers themselves have benefited from a number of incidents like that. But my question is are we actually checking them? We keep getting told everything is being checked.

"I am not sure if that one has been specifically checked as I would defy anybody to tell me if it has been checked, we are ok with it. If that influences him from getting to the ball, I think we are all on the same page are we not?

"That it has to be a penalty. From the naked eye and what I have seen liv and on a replay, that looks like it has to be a penalty based on the benchmark is for giving penalties in this league."