Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson has offered a strong defence of Malik Tillman after Sunday's Scottish Cup drama at Ibrox.

Michael Beale's side narrowly edged out Partick Thistle with a 3-2 victory in the fifth round of the tournament.

It was a pulsating match, with the Championship side more than holding their own against the Light Blues.

The headlines were undoubtedly made with the score line at 1-1, though.

Tillman was fouled after a late challenge from a Jags player. Rangers were in possession as the American lay on the turf injured. They put the ball out of play.

As Thistle looked to return the ball to their hosts, as per the usual sporting gesture as part of football, Tillman pressed Kevin Holt, latched upon his poor touch and rounded Jamie Sneddon to score.

The sparked uproar among the Thistle players. 

In a remarkable turn of events, Beale then ordered his team to let Partick score to level the match again.

READ MORE: Ian McCall Partick Thistle sacking explained by club's board

James Sands would then go on to score a winner for the Ibrox club, as they booked their quarter-finals slot, where they will meet Raith Rovers in another home tie. 

Ferguson has offered his opinion on the matter. And speaking on Go Radio's Football Show, the ex-Scotland international agreed with Beale's call.

He said: "I believe it was the right thing to do.

"In defence of Tillman, he is down and unaware so he doesn't realise. It is a misunderstanding and then after that, the game was played in good spirits.

"I thought it was the right thing to do. I froze it a couple of times and Tillman was turned away from the situation.

"He has suffered a kick to the ankle and made a mistake, and the players let the Partick Thistle player score. Apart from Allan McGregor and as he (Scott Tiffoney) went into the box, I was thinking that Greegsy wasn't wanting him to score! But it was the right thing to do."

Glasgow Times:

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