Rangers make referee claim for Hearts clash and why title rivals expect a Tynecastle 'on fire'

Danny Rohl has called for a strong refereeing display during Hearts vs Rangers - as he challenges his players to meet the ferocity of a lively Tynecastle.

It’s one of the biggest games to have graced Gorgie in years as the Light Blues arrive to face Derek McInnes’ hosts. Premiership leaders Hearts are three points clear of Celtic in second with four games to go, while Rohl’s Rangers are third and four adrift, after a loss against Motherwell last weekend. Victory for those in maroon next Monday would put the Jambos seven points clear of the Ibrox side with nine left to play for.

John Beaton will be the referee tasked with keeping a lid on proceedings between the pair, with Hearts winning two of these clashes earlier this term, while Rangers won the most recent in Govan. Light Blues boss Rohl wants strong refereeing as he expects a battle of duels and 50-50’s to play out.

Rangers make refereeing comment ahead of Hearts

Rohl told Sky: “It’s a difficult environment. They are doing really well. They get the basics right. There is not a lot of time in the game, a lot of starts and stops, I think we have to handle this. We face a lot of second balls, set plays, throw ins, I think it’s very important we have a strong refereeing performance as well on the pitch. There will be a lot of duels and 50-50 situations. This is crucial and then we want to bring our style of football as well, our intensity on the pitch, they want to bring their style. Then we will see who’s better.”

In his pre-match presser, Rohl made an admission over the sold out home crowd that will put the pressure on the Rangers players, and believes that’s a challenge that will need hurdled. He added: “The atmosphere will be on fire. I think they fight for something. They play for a historical season and they go all in.

“But we will also be ready for this. We will go there and be ready to fight this. I think it depends how the game goes. I think this is also a part. I think this is for us important, that we understand the game, good game management. In some moments we need this. It will be in some phases of the game not the nicest one because there will be a lot of 50-50 duels.

Danny Rohl on Hearts vs Rangers

“This is important that everyone on the pitch makes good decisions in both directions. This is crucial and we have to focus that we bring our best football on the pitch. You have to move the ball in good areas, you have to be very active, you have to ask for the ball. This is crucial. You have to be well organised.

“I think you have to be smart in the duels because if you make stupid fouls in dangerous areas then we give them the strength for set plays as well. On the other side, if we have our best day, then I think they have a lot of challenges to control us and I think this is a part as well. We need now in the next four games a performance which is nearly and maybe sometimes over 100% to take the points. I think this is crucial. You cannot just play 95% or just 45 minutes good football. You have to play it over the full time and this is a big part in this game.”