Andy Halliday has defended Dan Casey's tackle on Ross McCausland as he compared it to Dujon Sterling's red card for Rangers.

The Motherwell midfielder - on loan from Hearts - reckons team-mate Casey should have seen yellow card but ruled out appeals for a red card.

Philippe Clement had branded the challenge "too dangerous" as he bemoaned the injury suffered by McCausland who hobbled off after 34 minutes at Ibrox.

But Halliday - a former Rangers player - reckons Casey won the ball, albeit catching McCausland with the follow-through. But Halliday suggested the contact wasn't that bad as he reflected on the incident.

“I think a yellow card was the right decision for Dan," said Halliday on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard.

"When you actually watch the footage Dan wins the ball, his follow through takes him through, and I don’t think the follow through with Ross McCausland is that (bad).

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"Is it excessive force? Yeah, it is, but it’s not something I like using as a sort of barometer but I know referees do. Ultimately a yellow card was the right decision.”

Halliday related the incident to a red card for Sterling during Rangers' 2-1 win over Aberdeen.

The Ibrox ace had been ordered off for a challenge on Jack MacKenzie - with referee Don Robertson sticking with his decision after being advised to review the incident.

Rangers appealed the incident but had the red card decision stand after review at a fast-track hearing. 

Halliday said: “It’s a difficult one for me.

"I remember when Dujon Sterling was sent off for a similar incident.

"I defended him, I think it’s similar in terms of the force that they’ve both went into the tackle which was a big talking point from Dujon Sterling’s tackle and a big talking point from Dan Casey’s."