Rangers beat Partick Thistle in tumultuous cup tie

Scott Tiffoney was given the chance to level for Partick Thistle after a controversial goal put Rangers in front

Holders Rangers eventually overcame Partick Thistle in a controversy-laden Scottish Cup last-16 encounter.

The visitors had led through Kevin Holt's VAR-awarded penalty but Antonio Colak headed Rangers level.

James Tavernier had a disputed penalty saved at 1-1 and James Sands' header finally settled the tie on 86 minutes.

However, Connor McAvoy may be credited with an own goal after he appeared to get a touch on it.

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The hosts had a nervous moment early on when Malik Tillman tussled with Holt on the very edge of the Rangers penalty area but referee David Munro offered the 2,500-strong travelling Thistle support no encouragement.

With Ianis Hagi making his first start of the season in an attack that also featured Todd Cantwell and Tillman, Rangers were effectively playing with three number 10s and struggled to find fluency. Hagi nodded a Cantwell cross wide in their only real first-half opening.

Thistle held their own with a disciplined defensive approach and a determination not to allow their hosts time on the ball. Kyle Turner won and took a free-kick that tested Allan McGregor and the goalkeeper was forced to an even better stop to deny Tiffoney moments later.

But, in the aftermath, the visitors were awarded their spot-kick. Munro was asked to review whether Holt's header had been handled by Colak and the referee signalled penalty. Holt converted confidently.

Rangers' play had been too narrow and their short passing game food and drink for the Jags. Ibrox manager Michael Beale took action at half-time with Ryan Kent and Kemar Roofe sent on in place of Hagi and Cantwell.

And there was almost instant reward. Kent sent Roofe through and the striker fired narrowly wide.

The leveller duly arrived when Nicolas Raskin chipped from the inside right channel for Colak to nod in at Sneddon's near post. The Croatian had gone nine games without a goal since his last one on 29 October.

The keeper may have done better with that one but stood up well to block Colak's next effort and made his mark again at Rangers' penalty.

Tillman was dragged down by Stuart Bannigan, who was adamant the foul had taken place outside the box. The award stood but so did Sneddon as he stayed in a central position to get in the way of Tavernier's spot-kick.

But then, another twist. Rangers put the ball out after Tillman pulled up with a knock and, after the restart, Tillman robbed Holt and evaded chasing defenders and Sneddon to score. Thistle were furious, feeling the Rangers attacker had stolen the ball just as they were about to kick it to the home defence.

A melee ensued on the pitch and Beale was active in his technical area, with the instruction given before Tiffoney went through unopposed to round McGregor and score.

It was from a Borna Barisic corner that the decisive goal came, but again confusion reigned. Sands threw himself at the ball and celebrated when the net bulged but replays suggested McAvoy may have carried it over the line.

Tillman danced away from a clutch of challenges only to be denied by Sneddon in added time, the last major incident of an enthralling Scottish Cup tie.