Holders Rangers moved into the quarterfinals of the Scottish Cup with a controversial 3-2 victory over Partick Thistle on Sunday in which they had to "gift" their opponents a goal.
Thistle's players were left apoplectic at Ibrox when Rangers player Malik Tillman put his side 2-1 ahead in dubious circumstances deemed unsportsmanlike.
Shortly before, Tillman had gone down injured and Rangers kicked the ball out of play to allow him to be treated. On the restart in the 71st minute Partick appeared to be set to sportingly give back the ball to their opponents by passing an uncontested ball towards the Rangers defense but before they could do that Tillman, showing no sign of injury, nipped in to gain possession and advance forward and score.
After a melee involving virtually every player on the pitch, the game re-started with Rangers, after instructions from their manger Michael Beale, then allowing Thistle's Scott Tiffoney to go through unopposed to make it 2-2.
Stop what you're doing right now and watch this!
Malik Tillman gives Rangers the lead in controversial circumstances which infuriates the visitorsMichael Beale then steps in and orders his side to allow Partick Thistle to score #ScottishCup | @ScottishCup pic.twitter.com/iUOtLalNGO
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) February 12, 2023
Rangers eventually snatched the win late on when James Sands' header crossed the line.
WHAT A GAME! @RangersFC take the lead as Borna Barišić whips a tempting ball in from a corner and the ball comes off a Partick Thistle player for an own goal
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) February 12, 2023
(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
