Rangers boss Mark Warburton calls on referees to give players more protection

Rangers manager Mark Warburton has called for more protection from referees after his side beat Livingston 1-0 in a fiery cup encounter.

Rangers face St Mirren in the semi-final of the Petrofac Training Cup after Nicky Clark's late long-range effort knocked the holders out.

But after eight bookings - five for the visitors - Warburton believes the referee was too lenient after Livingston's Kieran Gibbons escaped punishment for his first-minute challenge on Nathan Oduwa.

Warburton said: "The first tackle came in within 30 seconds and then four or five swiftly followed. He had to come off at half-time with bruising to the ankle and foot.

"I just think it's frustrating, to be polite. I saw Martyn Waghorn booked just before half-time and I have no idea what for, and then you see a number of tackles going unpunished.

"I never want to see players booked or red-carded but at times it's necessary.

"It's meant to be an entertainment industry and the tempo was very slow at times.

"Talented players need some protection. I'm not saying preferential treatment, but look after them. Some of the tackles were inappropriate."

Opposition manager Mark Burchill had no problem with his players' approach.

"Did any of my players get sent off? Well, I'm happy with that," said Burchill.

"It's a very, very difficult job being a referee. The first tackle from a Rangers player should have been a yellow card and he let that go, so then you have to let a few more go. It's a difficult job and I thought he handled it well."