Rangers knew it was pointless contesting the two-game ban for Alfredo Morelos’ blatant forearm smash on Dundee United’s Mark Connolly.
The damage was already done on the pitch though.
How might United have fared against a ten-man Rangers? That’s what they should have been facing, given Morelos ought to have been red carded.
Tannadice boss Micky Mellon didn’t want to get involved in a war of words over the incident but I’m not convinced his reticence would be reciprocated if the boot had been on the other foot.
Diplomacy and dignity are admirable qualities, but most United fans will feel the Ibrox side always enjoy the bulk of the decisions against them, so blatant injustices like last weekend’s refereeing failure are worth calling out.
United fans and others are sick to the back teeth of major decisions going against them in such situations – and not challenging them simply emboldens referees to shirk the hard choices when they arise.
When Alex Ferguson and Jim McLean were bossing Aberdeen and United they were never slow to vigorously protest unfair outcomes against their teams.
The best approach is to fight your corner with all guns blazing and stand up to those who usually get the big decisions awarded in their favour.
A BT Sport documentary this week marked the 25th anniversary of the Bosman ruling, which transformed football.
The Belgian’s one man stand against the authorities allowed some players to become multi-millionaires, but destroyed his own career in a legal battle lasting five years.
His fight resulted in freedom of movement and revolutionised the game with players free to leave their clubs without a fee once their contracts were up.
‘A catalyst for many in the modern game’
The outcome produced a power shift in football which has seen top players’ earning capacities soar.
It was the catalyst for players like Paul Lambert leaving Motherwell for Borussia Dortmund without a penny in compensation going to the Fir Park side.
Once the judgment was given, the bargaining power of the best players was hugely strengthened.
A downside of the ruling was that lesser players, who let their contracts run down in the hope of landing a big wage increase at another club, were often disappointed when new offers didn’t meet their aspirations.
Jean Marc Bosman sadly ended up with alcohol and depression issues, a broken marriage and his career in tatters at the age of 34.
The football revolution he launched transformed the lives of many in the game but ended with him as a major casualty.
Arbroath’s start to the season has disappointed many, especially after their magnificent run last time round.
In a Championship dominated by full time sides, continuing their great form was always going to be tough – and so it’s proving.
The great thing about the Lichties, though, is that they live by Kipling’s famous mantra: “If you can meet with triumph and disaster and treat those two impostors just the same.”
They enjoy the glory while it lasts and accept the dimming of the light when it fades.
It’s the reason so many have a serious soft spot for the club.
