Controversial Saturday in the SPL as Well stay stop.

It would appear tackling is being pushed out of Scottish football with a couple of controversial decisions deciding games this afternoon.

First up was Rangers away trip toInverness, and just as the Highlandes had survived the opening hour without conceding in stepped the referee. Ross Tokely slid in to rob Steven Naismith but somehow Euan Norris saw it as a penalty and ordered the defender off.

Jelavic stepped up to take the spot kick and left Ryan Esson with no chance to make it 1-0. Rangers were awarded a second penalty when Goian, running away from goal, tangled ever so slightly with Tom Aldred. This time Jelavic’s kick was saved but Edu managed to score from the rebound.

Edu himself was red carded for a second yellow for a foul on Nick Ross but the visitors held out for a controversial win.

At NewSt.Mirren Park Motherwell continued their stay at the top the SPL thanks to a stoppage time free kick from Tom Hateley. Once again there was some debate about the foul that was awarded with sympathy being given to Gary Teale who looked to have taken the ball when tackling Nicky Law.

Saints were indebted to their keeper from keeping them in this game, with Samson producing a string of outstanding saves to deny Higdon, Law, Murphy and Forbes.

It would appear the laws of the game have been changed watching these two games, with what look like perfectly good tackles being penalised. This is causing confusion with both players, fans and managers who don’t seem to have been informed of any changes.

The game thrives on the physical element but the authorities appear to be driving this out of the game.

Elsewhere Celtic kept their 100% record with an emphatic 5-1 win over Dundee United atCelticPark. At the bottom St Johnstone andAberdeenlost again, the former losing 1-0 toDunfermlinewhile the Dons were easily beaten 3-0 by Hearts.