Aberdeen boss Stephen Glass has shot down reports Italian side Cagliari made a loan move for Lewis Ferguson as one of the ‘craziest things’ he has ever seen.
Scotland international Ferguson netted his ninth goal of the season in a 1-1 draw with Rangers.
Prior to kick-off it had been reported that Italian Serie A side Cagliari had made a loan offer for Ferguson.
The bid was said to include an obligation-to-buy clause of around £3.5m – but Cagliari would only pay it if the club avoid relegation from Serie A.
Cagliari are currently third bottom of the Italian top flight.
Glass laughed off suggestions Aberdeen would ever entertain such a one-sided deal
The Dons boss confirmed there has been no bid from Cagliari or any other club for Ferguson who is contracted until 2024.
The Pittodrie boss was also left frustrated after the Dons were denied a penalty in the first half when keeper Allan McGregor collided with Ryan Hedges.
And the Dons boss hailed his side as ‘fantastic’ for their performance against the league leaders.
Glass said: “The Italian one might be the craziest thing I have ever seen.
“Sitting watching the television last night and seeing we are going to give one of our best players away for nothing in case a team stays up that might give us some money.
“We will take one of your best players and give you nothing.
“I think we are stronger than that.”
Frustration at Hedges penalty call
Aberdeen were denied a penalty in the 20th minute when Hedges was brought down by keeper Allan McGregor.
Referee Kevin Clancy waved off calls for a spot kick and within 20 seconds Rangers had raced upfield to net through Ianis Hagi.
🗣️ "It's very difficult to sit here and say it's not a penalty."
Should Aberdeen have been awarded a penalty? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/nqBRGaaTc8
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) January 18, 2022
In the second half the Dons did get a spot kick for handball by Alfredo Morelos.
Ferguson netted the penalty.
Glass said: “We should have got three points.
“When you go a goal behind to the reigning champions it is always a good point but we are frustrated we didn’t get three.”
Asked if he felt Aberdeen should have been awarded a penalty for the Hedges incident he said: “Yes.
“It’s probably the one part of the game where we switched off for 10 to 20 seconds and you get punished by a good team.
“That’s the one thing I can question the player on but everything else was fantastic.
“Their effort, quality and energy. I’m pleased for the boys but disappointed they didn’t get what they deserved.”
Glass’ belief in his Aberdeen squad
Aberdeen produced an impressive display and Teddy Jenks had hit the post early on.
It is the second time this season the Reds have drawn with Rangers having held the Ibrox 2-2 in Glasgow in October.
Glass said: “I felt the goal was coming and from the start of the second half we were really driving the game.
“I thought it was a matter of time before we scored rather than relief because I have a real belief in that group of players.
“They showed a real belief they were going to get back in the game and go on to win it.
“They continued to do that right to the end.”
No explanation from match officials
Aberdeen were infuriated when referee Clancy waved play on when Hedges was poleaxed by keeper McGregor.
When asked if he approached officials for an explanation on the Hedges incident, Glass said: “I don’t even look for one anymore.
“The linesman said there wasn’t enough contact for a penalty and the referee said there was no contact.”
