Ex-Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday in controversial Ryan Porteous call - Hibs ace 'extremely lucky'

The Hibs centre-back was booked for a challenge on Alfredo Morelos

Ex-Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday believes Hibs centre-back Ryan Porteous was “extremely lucky” to stay on the pitch in Sunday’s encounter.

The Easter Road ace was a key protagonist during the 2-2 draw in Leith.

Porteous was criticised for being “cheap” after the match by Rangers boss Steven Gerrard, allegedly calling James Tavernier a sore loser, the Ibrox captain refusing to shake hands following the full-time whistle.

Ryan Porteous came in for criticism after Hibs' draw with Rangers. Picture: SNS

On the pitch, the player was in the heart of the action and was shown a yellow card in the first half by Don Roberston for an off-the-ball barge on Alfredo Morelos.

It was an incident which Halliday, who isn’t a popular figure amongst the Hibs support, believed could have warranted a red card.

He did, however, reject claims that Paul Hanlon should have been sent off for connecting with Ianis Hagi with his elbow.

“I think he’s extremely lucky,” Halliday said on Sportscene. “For me it’s an off-the-all incident, 60 yards away from the play, he’s made deliberate contact with Alfredo.

“I don’t think the Hanlon one is a red card. He’s done his best to get himself in between Hagi and the ball. I don’t think that contact is deliberate.

“If the referee seen the Ryan Porteous one he was very lucky.”

Hibs nailed their colours to the mast celebrating their young centre-back, noting he is the best in Scotland.

Meanwhile, Jack Ross came in for praise from Michael Stewart for his change of shape and decision to bring Lewis Stevenson on in place of Josh Doig.