SFA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell has confirmed that Willie Collum will referee more Rangers games in the future.
It’s not exactly a surprising development, but it will be disappointing to certain Rangers fans given the situation.
Collum was the man who sparked a war between Rangers and the SFA in recent weeks. His red card for Daniel Candeias in the win over St Mirren was an embarrassing decision that led to Rangers appealing the red.
The SFA booted out the appeal, and it led to Rangers sending a strong statement out questioning Collum’s officiating skills. That then prompted the SFA to hit Rangers with an incredible FIVE charges, which the club are still contemplating their response to.
Maxwell, however, has defended officiating in Scotland. Speaking in the Daily Record today, he claims there’s no need to avoid putting Collum and Rangers together once more.
“Absolutely not. We can’t start to go down that road. Willie is one of the best referees we have and it’s absolutely right that we are supporting him.
“If a member comes forward with a proposed rule change or something they want us to look at across any area that is absolutely fine.”
Is this truly sensible?
Questions have to be asked about whether this is really a sensible decision. Collum and Rangers just don’t go at the moment, with so much tension between the pair.
The club are still furious with the Candeias red card, and don’t believe Collum is up to officiating in Rangers games. Considering the ongoing situation between Rangers and the SFA, you have to imagine it would be wise for Collum to miss a few Rangers matches for now.
The SFA clearly want to go about their business as normal, and that’s understandable. If Collum was to return to Ibrox in the near future, however, it would be difficult for him. The fans would be on his back instantly, and having a clear head would be difficult.
He’s consistently making blunders in top games in Scotland. Regardless of whether he’s an “Elite grade” referee or not, he makes too many errors. Rangers are just the latest club to be feeling an injustice over his poor refereeing of games.
You can see why the SFA would back their man. One can only hope internally that Collum has been pulled up for his previous errors.
Considering the amount he’s made in the past, however, that’s unlikely.
