The SFA must use the same dodgy email system employed by the SPFL as the latest reports suggest Police Scotland are yet to launch an investigation into post-Rangers v Celtic abuse aimed at Kevin Clancy.
Celtic’s preferred referee is at the centre of Old Firm controversy for his decision to rule out an Alfredo Morelos opener at Parkhead amid a perception that he leans towards our rivals in his officiating.
There has long been a problem with Kevin Clancy when it comes to Rangers and there is a reason why Celtic generally love to engineer the referee into their home games.
SFA issues defensive Rangers Kevin Clancy response
The whistler’s performance in Rangers’ 3-2 defeat to Celtic was no more predictable as it was embarrassing and the Ibrox side are said to have written to the SFA for answers in the wake of the match.
But in standard defensive Hampden style, the powers that be in Scotland have sought to deflect from the issue at hand by pointing to “unacceptable” abuse aimed at Kevin Clancy.
This comes with vitriolic messages being aimed at the whistler in communications to the SFA.
“The nature of the messages goes way beyond criticism of performance and perceived decision-making – some are potentially criminal in nature and include threats and abuse towards Kevin and his family,” said SFA chief Ian Maxwell.
“We have referred the correspondence to the police and condemn this behaviour in the strongest possible terms, as well as the posting of a referee’s personal details online with the sole purpose of causing distress.”
Whilst we’re in no way condoning this behaviour – which is usually the preserve of Celtic supporters post Old Firm – the situation does not deflect from the fact many believe Kevin Clancy is not fit to referee Rangers games.
It’s also not a justification to silence the conversation around the referee, with everyone at Rangers News hoping justice is delivered with regards any of the idiots involved.
Beyond that, BBC Scotland have also claimed that Police Scotland are yet to launch any investigation because they have not received any of these abusive emails.
That’s despite SFA chief Ian Maxwell claiming the correspondence had been forwarded to Police Scotland.
“The SFA said a ’significant volume of threatening and abusive emails’ had been referred to Police Scotland, but the force said it had not received the correspondence,” reads the report.
“As a result, officers have yet to launch a formal investigation.”
Are the SFA using the same email system employed by the SPFL when they lost Dundee’s vote to controversially hand Celtic a title they did not win in the midst of the Covid pandemic in 2020?
Rangers “astonished” at SFA response
Rangers have also had their say in the wake of the correspondence, claiming they are “astonished” that the SFA have backed up the decision to disallow Alfredo Morelos’ goal v Celtic.
This comes with Premier League chiefs acknowledging a mistake in the weekend’s clash between Brighton and Tottenham Hotspur south of the border.
The Gers have also strongly condemned any personal abuse of Kevin Clancy in the wake of the match.
The statement reads:
“Firstly, Rangers condemns in the strongest terms any abuse of match officials. We are all passionate about our game, but targeted, personal abuse of referees cannot be tolerated.
“The club can confirm the Scottish FA has responded with regards to the disallowed Alfredo Morelos goal, with the response claiming the correct decision was taken.
“The club is astonished by this, especially given most observers, including former referees and former players, could see no issue with the goal standing.
“This comes following a weekend in England where PGMOL have offered an apology to Brighton and Hove Albion for the non-award of a penalty in their match with Tottenham Hotspur, alongside a pledge to review the incident.
“While an apology does not alter the outcome of a match, such responsibility and openness would be welcome in Scotland.”
Far from take ownership and responsibility, the SFA have adopted the approach of defensive politicking by commenting on the unacceptable abuse of Kevin Clancy to deflect from the referee’s suspect decision-making.
Whilst we reiterate that any personal abuse is unacceptable, this does not change the situation at hand and the right-thinking Rangers fans who pay their money to enjoy the game north of the border deserve better from those working at Hampden.
But with the situation surrounding the Celtic clash so evidently set-up in the Parkhead side’s favour, we don’t suspect we’ll get that sort of respect from those working in the offices of the national stadium any time soon.
