BOBBY MADDEN was the man in the middle as Dundee United and Rangers locked horns in the Scottish Premiership this afternoon.

The whistler was called into the thick of the action early doors as he turned down a penalty appeal within 10 minutes.

Rangers were pressing for the opener and as Tam Courts’ side cleared a cross the ball clearly connected with the arm of United defender Ross Graham.

The incident took place right in front of Madden, but after a look to his assistant on the far side, he decided that the handball was not worthy of a penalty. On this occasion, the referee got it wrong.

A flurry of bookings then followed with Madden handing out three yellow cards to Dundee United players within eight minutes.

Ryan Edwards was first to go into the book after hauling back Ryan Kent who had neatly skipped away from his challenge.

Graham then followed after a similar professional foul to halt play when he held up the run of striker Alfredo Morelos.

A comparable foul by Tony Watt was next when he tugged back Joe Aribo who looked to break down the left flank.

All yellow cards calls were correct by Madden and Dundee United could have no complaints with their early bookings.

During that spell, Charlie Mulgrew was lucky to go unpunished after a poor and late tackle on Scott Arfield. The experienced Scotland defender went in studs showing on the Canadian, but this was not picked up by Madden. A yellow card should have been shown at least, but a red card could have been issued.

Before the half was out Alfredo Morelos was flashed a yellow card after clashing with Edwards as he went to close down Benjamin Siegrist in the box. Again, the call looked correct.

Into the second half and on the hour mark Rangers had yet another shout for a penalty that was turned down.

Fashion Sakala was introduced off the bench and he appeared to have his jersey yanked inside the penalty area as James Tavernier sent in a corner. Again though, Madden and his officials missed the incident.

Overall Madden was spot on with his dishing out of cautions, but he did miss some key calls. Rangers should have been awarded two penalties during the Premiership clash, but both cases were missed.