FORMER Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher insists Ryan Jack deserved to see red at Pittodrie on Sunday.

The midfielder was sent off for a challenge on Stevie May early in the second half of Rangers’ 2-1 win over Aberdeen.

Interim Light Blues boss Graeme Murty expressed his sympathy for Jack after the match but Gallagher believes whistler Willie Collum made the right call as the 25-year-old was dismissed for the fourth time this term.

"I think this is a great spot by the referee," he told Sky Sports. "Not only is it a great spot, but he reacted very, very quickly, which stopped players going to him.

“This is quite ironic in that without doubt the player clearly players the ball, but he does seriously endanger the safety of an opponent.

“No doubt whatsoever that is a red card offence. But it does show, that because you play the ball, it doesn’t exonerate you from further punishment.”