“I’ve seen the images back, it’s clearly not a foul,” Clement told BBC Scotland. “He jumps higher and that’s everything that happens.

“He is not moving his arm towards the man or whatever. It is a very decisive moment and, in the end, it has killed the dream of the dressing room and killed the dream of more than 50,000 fans and you expect a better level of decision-making.”

Clement indicated he would like to be stronger but preferred to keep his counsel to ensure he does not “get a ban”.

Former Rangers players working as BBC Scotland pundits were not so restrained in their assessment of a decision the referee told captain James Tavernier was for what he considered an elbow in the face.

Former Scotland striker Dodds said: “Maybe there’s a bump in the challenge for the ball, but I think that’s a shocker. It’s ridiculous.

“We know the game is getting modernised, but my word, if you’re getting a yellow card when it’s not even a foul, getting sent off for that, what’s the point?

“The referee – not good enough. Sorry, you shouldn’t be refereeing at this level.”

Goalkeeping great McGregor said the red card was “a big blow” as it came so early in the second half.

“It’s an absolutely horrific decision,” McGregor said. “It’s that bad, I don’t think the referee should work in the Champions League again this season.

“Anyone with two working eyes can see that’s not a second yellow card.”

McGregor and former Scotland right-back Hutton thought Jefte was penalised for being able to jump higher than his opponent.

“He’s got some leap on him and I think that’s how the referee has looked at it,” the latter said. “He’s got so high that it looks like his arm has maybe touched him.

“It’s a horrendous, horrendous decision and that has what’s cost Rangers.”