Former referee Dermot Gallagher reckons Ryan Kent was fortunate to escape punishment after the flashpoint with Liam Scales - but ruled out a red card.

The ex-Premier League whistler was analysing major talking points from the weekend on Sky Sports when he discussed incidents in Sunday's Viaplay Cup semi-final.

During the match, Aberdeen defender Scales appeared to suggest he was punched by Rangers winger Kent during a counter-attack.

The Celtic loanee was caught on camera gesturing to the referee over the incident, but Nick Walsh did not punish Kent despite the claims.

For Gallagher, it was a foul and worthy of a yellow card but he ruled out a sending off as he conceded it was a "tough" call for Walsh.

READ MORE: Aberdeen manager Jim Goodwin on Liam Scales-Ryan Kent flashpoint

On Sky Sports, he explained: "Well, this is a tough one for the referee because it is behind his back. The VAR looks at it.

"I don't think he swipes like Liam says he does, he flicks out at him but it's not a punch.

"I think if the referee had seen it he would have probably got a yellow card, but I don't think he'd have got a red."

While Gallagher was not convinced of a red for Kent, he had no hesitation over the straight red card for Aberdeen captain Anthony Stewart.

The centre-back charged into a sliding tackle on Fashion Sakala, sending the forward into the air. And ref Walsh was straight over with a red card.

On the incident, Gallagher said: "I just think the sheer intensity and aggression of the tackle...if you see it again when he comes in sideways he just absolutely wallop.

"I don't think he could have any complaints.

"I did see that he said to the referee: 'I got the ball'.

"Well, I think he didn't get the ball but even if he had I think that would've been an added bonus."

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