Captain James Tavernier questioned referee Nick Walsh’s red card consistency after ten-man Rangers lost 3-1 to Celtic in an absorbing Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden Park.

The Hoops took the lead through striker Johnny Kenny after 25 minutes and then Gers midfielder Thelo Aasgaard was immediately dismissed by the official for a reckless challenge on defender Anthony Ralston.

However, just before the break Parkhead centre-back Auston Trusty appeared to leave his boot on the face of Gers goalkeeper Jack Butland after he collected the ball, but only received a yellow card.

The Ibrox side fought back with Tavernier levelling from the spot in the 81st minute to take the game to extra-time but goals from Hoops skipper Callum McGregor and teenager Callum Osmand set up a meeting with St Mirren in the final on December 14 at the national stadium.

A “sore” Tavernier spoke to Walsh about the Trusty incident and revealed the conversation, saying: “He just said it’s obviously [down to] the force of the stamp.

“But it’s still the intent, the intent is obviously to put a boot on his head. So no matter if it’s hard or soft, it’s still his head.

“That’s obviously their job, but there’s no excuses for us...