Rangers survived a Scottish Cup scare to beat Partick Thistle 3-2 after sportingly giving the Championship side a second-half equalizer at Ibrox on Monday (AEDT).
Thistle took a 1–0 lead at the end of the first half through a Kevin Holt penalty, but Rangers looked to turn the round of 16 around when Antonio Colak scored the equaliser, before Malik Thieleman scored in controversial circumstances.
Watch the best football players in the world every week with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. Live coverage of the German Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Serie A, Carabao Cup, English Football League and Premier Soccer League. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now>
The US international had gone down to seek treatment with Thistle set to return possession to Rangers.
However, Tillman stole the ball deep in Thistle’s half and ran in to round the goalkeeper and open the empty net.
Rangers chairman Michael Bell responded to the visitors’ protests by allowing Scott Tivony to run the length of the pitch to score the equalizer.
More coverage
Bell Rap: City’s $90 million headache despite a decisive win; Unified silence of bitter opponents in a heated confrontation
‘You really should have it’: Shock when Super Sam turns down the grand prize
“Already Judged”: City Chief rages over rivals over claims of wild Brissier finances
“Malik is injured, he didn’t see the ball thrown out. Naturally, when he stands up, he thinks he has to press,” Bale said.
“We scored a goal, it’s controversial, but this club is built on high standards and we want the best for the game. I made a lot of mistakes today in terms of team selection but this wasn’t one of them.
“And it was the right decision. I don’t want that hanging around[Tillman’s]head. I felt it would be unfair for us to win a game that way.”
Rangers reached the quarter-finals anyway as Connor McAvoy turned Borna Barisic’s corner into his own net four minutes from time.
