Should Rangers defender Jon Flanagan have been sent off for this challenge on Celtic captain Scott Brown?

The incident and, inset, a close-up of Flanagan's clash with Brown. Picture: Sky Sports

Rangers defender Jon Flanagan picked up the first yellow card of the final Old Firm match of the season for an off-the-ball clash with Celtic captain Scott Brown - but should the ex-Liverpool man have seen red?

The full-back was cautioned for an incident five minutes into the second half as the Light Blues prepared to defend a Celtic corner.

TV footage showed Flanagan appearing to throw an arm into Brown’s face, causing the Hoops skipper to fall to the floor. Match referee Kevin Clancy had a clear, unobstructed view of the incident and chose to book the Rangers player.

Iain Crocker, commentating on the game for Sky Sports, said after the flashpoint: “When [the incident] actually takes place, the ball isn’t in play.

Kevin Clancy books Flanagan. Picture: PA

“I think you can see Kevin Clancy has seen something - he maybe hasn’t seen the severity of it and that’s why I think he’s shown a yellow card, and [not given a] penalty.”

Summarising on BBC Sportsound, Jim Duffy said Flanagan had been a “very lucky boy”, adding: “You just can’t do that. Jon Flanagan [has] put a forearm into Scott Brown’s face.

“[Rangers boss] Steven Gerrard has been talking about the discipline of his players. He’s a very lucky boy not to be sent off.”