Underhill defends Ricksen red card

Referee John Underhill has defended his decision to dismiss Rangers midfielder Fernando Ricksen during the 3-2 defeat at Aberdeen on Sunday.

Ibrox manager Alex McLeish hit out at the decision of the match official after reviewing the incidents on Monday, describing the red card as “harsh in the extreme”.

The Holland international received a first caution for a foul on Scott Severin before seeing red for a challenge on Kevin McNaughton in the second period.

Ricksen will now miss the crucial first Old Firm derby of the season on Saturday when Celtic visit Ibrox but the official maintains his decision was correct.

Underhill told the official Scottish Football Association website, www.scottishfa.co.uk: “He (Ricksen) had already received a quiet word or two, as well as a public warning two minutes earlier for a late tackle on Barry Nicholson.

“He had also been involved in an incident with his team-mate Nacho Novo and had confronted opponents in incidents in which he had not originally been involved. Consequently, he received a yellow card for persistent misconduct.”

He added: “He deliberately obstructed an opponent, who was on a positive run, using bodily contact, a cautionable offence. I had a clear and unobstructed view of the challenge and there was no doubt in my mind about the nature of the offence.

“For a second caution he was automatically sent from the field. This incident highlights the fact that any player, who has already received a caution, has to be mindful that they run the risk of a second yellow card for further rash or inappropriate challenges.”