[AMERICANS ABROAD] style="font-weight: bold;">Maurice Edu started for Rangers in its 4-0 win at Dundee United that extended its lead over Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premier League to four points (with two more games played). The game was not without controversy as Rangers was awarded three penalties -- and converted two -- and Dundee United had three players sent off -- all for fouls that resulted in penalty kicks -- prompting its manager, Peter Houston, to sayreferee Willie Collum had reduced the game to a farce.

Steven Whittaker scored twice from the spot but missed a third time in the 79th minute.

Rangers manager Walter Smith supported the red-card decisions.

"If you look at the penalties, then I don't think you could argue that each was a penalty," said Smith. "Under the letter of the law, the referee has no other option but to send the players off."