Smith: Players rose to challenge

20 March 2011 20:00
Rangers manager Walter Smith hailed his players for showing the determination to overcome a controversial refereeing decision and edge an enthralling Old Firm final at Hampden. Rangers secured the Co-operative Insurance Cup after winning an entertaining contest 2-1 thanks to an extra-time winner from Nikica Jelavic. But one of the major talking points was Craig Thomson's decision to book Jelavic for diving seconds after pointing to the penalty spot when the Croatian went down under a challenge from Thomas Rogne. Smith said: "I think it was strange to find themselves in a position where they were more or less written off. It was a nice challenge for them and they rose to it very well. "It's dangerous for a referee to do that, very dangerous. "I just felt a wee bit aggrieved that Jelavic got booked because he gave a penalty and then he booked Jelavic. "He must have thought himself there was something in the decision to give it in the first place.`

Source: PA