Referee Kevin Clancy has come under fire after he "fouled" a Dundee player in the build-up to Rangers' fourth goal at Dens Park.

The Scottish FA official faced criticism after Luke McCowan appeared to be inadvertently blocked off by the referee before Rangers raced up the pitch for Cyriel Dessers to score.

A pass had been played towards winger McCowan before he bumped into the back of Clancy as he looked to take control of the ball.

John Lundstram was alert to the situation to pinch the ball and set up a counter for Rangers to add their fourth goal of the night.

The incident left Dundee players furious with an explanation demanded after the match. However, Dundee manager Tony Docherty was baffled by the call.

After the match, he sighed: “I don’t understand the explanation.

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"The referee fouled Luke McCowan and I’m expecting it to be brought back. But it can’t unless the referee touches the ball.”

On Sportscene, Neil McCann added: "An assist from Kevin Clancy in this one in the build-up which the Dundee players weren't too chuffed about."

Dundee boss Docherty branded the night "disappointing" and cited the lengthy match delays as he reflected on the defeat.

“It’s a disappointing night - and a bizarre night," he said. "At one stage I thought the game wasn’t going to go ahead. I was trying to keep the boys focused. Then we start the game and because of the pyros we get brought in again.

“There’s a debate on whether there’s a place for [pyro] but the game was almost abandoned. The police took control and I didn’t think we were going to go back out again. That affects focus. When it’s almost causing matches to be abandoned I think we need to address it."