Rangers fans got an early Christmas present on Christmas Eve as the Ibrox club publicly criticise the SFA.
The Rangers support are still reeling after the shocking decision not to award the Ibrox side a penalty in the Premier Sports Cup defeat to Celtic.
Head of refereeing Willie Collum has branded the decision ‘unacceptable’ and had previously hinted at internal disciplinary processes for the VAR duo involved.
But after Alan Muir and Frank Connor were dropped for the weekend’s round of Scottish Premiership matches, both will be back in action officiating in the Scottish top flight this week.
Remarkably, Connor will be an assistant referee as Celtic welcome St Johnstone to Parkhead on the 29th of December.
It’s a situation which has drawn the ire of Rangers, who have released an explosive statement demanding answers.
Rangers statement on SFA
Rangers have posted a statement on the club’s official website:
”Rangers FC has contacted the Scottish FA to express serious concerns and ask several questions regarding the swift reinstatement of the two VAR officials involved in the officiating failure during the recent Premier Sports Cup Final.
“We also note one of the officials has been appointed to an SPFL Premiership match involving the club that benefitted from the error.
“The Scottish FA’s actions raise questions about their commitment to improving officiating standards and fostering accountability.
”While Rangers FC fully respects the independence of officiating appointments and the need for referees to operate without interference, how the Scottish FA handles such high-profile failures directly affects its credibility and public confidence.
”The decision to reinstate the officials so quickly, and in particular for a fixture involving the club which benefited from the mistake in question, has drawn widespread media scrutiny on the officiating failure and officials concerned.
”This was both predictable and avoidable, and contradicts any stated duty of care from the Scottish FA towards their match officials.
“Mistakes do happen in football, and how they are addressed matters enormously. We would urge the Scottish FA to demonstrate its desire to improve the quality and consistency of officiating and to do so in a transparent manner.
“We are not seeking to challenge the authority of the Scottish FA or the integrity or independence of match officials, but to encourage improved standards and accountability.
“This is not about influence. It is about good governance.
”Rangers FC expects tangible steps to be taken and remains committed to holding the Scottish FA accountable in the interests of the game.”
Rangers fans laud Ibrox club’s ‘teeth’
Rangers fans have also been reacting to the statement via social media and it’s fair to say most are more than happy with the sentiment.
Gers supporters have been waiting for the club to better represent them on the issue of refereeing, with a perception Celtic are getting the rub of the green due to constant pressure on whistlers.
One fan said that he was ‘glad to see’ the club speaking out about the situation, which in any normal circumstance would be viewed as incompetent.
Another has urged Rangers ‘not to hold back’ as they look to bring the SFA to task and ensure that the big decisions go the right way in the future.
Rangers have had to deal with VAR finding reasons to rule out goals against Celtic but conversely falling asleep when it’s a decision which will benefit the Ibrox side.
One supporter says the decision is ‘more like it’ with Rangers fans as a general glad to see their club using communications as a method to hold the powers that be in Scotland to account.
But there are those who do not agree, with some believing the energy used in these statements is not productive for the club.
But over the piece, it’s fair to say the Rangers support are glad to see this sort of statement with the scrutiny very much now on the SFA and SPFL.
Whatever way you react to this, Rangers have brought the situation to the attention of both the public and the media.
With such a spotlight shining on Hampden, you can be rest assured there will be a few emails flying around as they try desperately to avoid any more own goals.
