Rangers’ charges from the SFA have rocked the club ahead of a huge Europa League clash tonight.
Rangers vs Villarreal should be the topic of discussion. Instead, it’s Rangers vs the SFA after the club were hit with an incredible five charges due to their statement on referee Willie Collum.
Everybody knows the backstory to this. Rangers had an appeal rejected that they weren’t happy with, and subsequently slammed Collum in a strongly-worded statement. The statement also included how much they disagreed with the SFA’s decision.
Rangers now have until December 4th to respond to the charges, which include indicating bias and bringing the game into disrepute. You can view the five charges in full here.
The club are scheduled to have a hearing regarding their charges on December 19th. Goodness knows what will come of that in what is becoming a bitter war of words between the club and Scottish football’s governing body.
Clear heads are a must
It’s imperative that Rangers allow clear heads to prevail here. Allowing this to overshadow what will be a colossal month in Rangers’ season would be unforgivable. The club have a real chance at putting some pressure on Celtic, and don’t need this riot with the SFA.
It’s pretty clear that Rangers did their best to not indicate bias from Willie Collum. They spoke about how many sides have been done by him in the past, and this is nothing but the truth.
Rangers should contest the charges they feel are harsh. Indication of bias? Ridiculous. Bringing the game into disrepute? Collum did that the moment he sent Daniel Candeias off at St Mirren.
The club need to press ahead with defences of charges they aren’t guilty of. But continuous statements over the course of December isn’t what’s required.
There’s an argument it will create an “us vs the world” mentality. In truth, however, it just takes the focus off what should be a huge month in the title-race.
Rangers need to take their next step carefully. Bow down to the SFA is a no-no, but making sure they handle these defences in a calm and classy manner is essential.
In truth, it’s the least Steven Gerrard deserves.
