Smith: We need to move on

Walter Smith has hit out at criticism of Kyle Lafferty following the striker’s studs-first challenge on Andreas Hinkel in the Old Firm derby.

Lafferty was shown a yellow card for the tackle during Sunday’s 1-1 Clydesdale Bank Premier League draw at Parkhead, although some commentators claimed the 22-year-old should have seen red for the offence.

Manager Smith told his club’s official website, www.rangers.co.uk: “I’ve seen the incident once since the game and Kyle’s tackle was a forward’s challenge.

“Everyone keeps saying the referee should have acted but the referee did act. He deemed it a yellow card offence and that was it.

“Over the last few seasons, we’ve gone to Celtic Park for some high-profile games and there have been some meaty challenges.

“This one seems to have attracted a lot of attention when a lot of others seem to have been ignored.

“I think there was a level of frustration in Kyle’s challenge but the referee made his decision on it.

“It wasn’t a great tackle to make but it wasn’t the first time that kind of thing has happened in a football match.

“To be fair, Celtic got on with the game. I didn’t see anyone from their side complaining bitterly about it. They just got on with things and we need to move on now.”