- Keith Hackett claimed Findlay Curtis should have been booked for simulation in Scotland’s 4-1 win over Curacao.
- Incident occurred late on after minimal contact in the penalty area led to a converted Ryan Christie spot-kick.
- Warning comes as Rangers prepare to integrate Curtis into Danny Rohl’s first-team squad this summer.
Rangers and Danny Rohl have been urged to proceed carefully with Findlay Curtis’ integration into the first team after the winger was accused of simulation during Scotland’s 4-1 friendly win over Curacao.
The 19-year-old, who has enjoyed a breakthrough international spell and is expected to remain at Ibrox this summer, was involved in a late penalty-area incident which ultimately led to Ryan Christie converting from the spot to complete the victory.
Curtis netted his first Scotland goal to level the match after an early opener for Dick Advocaat‘s Caribbean side. With Lawrence Shankland also netting twice.
Keith Hackett slams Findlay Curtis for “simulation”
However, former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett believes Curtis should have been shown a yellow card for diving after going to ground under pressure from Curacao defender Jurien Gaari in the 80th minute.
Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett was critical of both the decision-making and Curtis’ actions in the incident.
“Wow. I think this is a debatable incident involving ‘was it a foul or was it not a foul?’” he said. “To me, I think that the act of simulation has been awarded. He’s deceived the referee.
“I’m not giving a penalty kick because I think there’s a question about whether contact has been made. But what I am certain about is the act of simulation by this player.”
Hackett went on to suggest the incident should have resulted in disciplinary action, while also warning that such behaviour remains a persistent issue across all levels of the game.
“I think it’s an act of simulation for which the player should have received a yellow card,” he said. “And to say, is he going to change? I don’t think so.”
Findlay Curtis part of Danny Rohl’s first team plans
The comments come at a time when Curtis’ development trajectory is being closely monitored by Rangers staff.
The winger is expected to be integrated into Rohl’s first-team plans during pre-season, with the club keen to assess him in a senior environment at Ibrox following his productive loan spell at Kilmarnock.
Curtis scored five goals in 14 appearances for Killie last season and has recently enhanced his profile with both club and country, including a goal in the same international fixture.
Readrangers.com analysis – Jack Cranmer
Rangers are understood to view the winger as part of their long-term planning. However, incidents such as the one highlighted by Hackett underline the scrutiny that comes with stepping into senior football.
With pre-season approaching, the focus will now shift to how Curtis adapts to the demands of top-team Gers football under Rohl, and whether he can channel his attacking influence while refining the defensive and physical aspects of his game expected at Rangers.
