Rangers have expressed “serious concerns” after two VAR officers concerned of their League Cup last loss to Celtic have been reinstated to top-flight matches.
Alan Muir – who was VAR for the match at Hampden Park – and his assistant Frank Connor weren’t on home obligation final weekend after committing an “unacceptable” mistake, in line with Scottish FA head of refereeing Willie Collum.
Celtic defender Liam Scales introduced down Vaclav Cerny within the first half of extra-time and on-field referee John Beaton adjudged the incident to have taken place exterior the field.
Whereas footage appeared to indicate the foul was on the road of the field, Muir and Connor didn’t overrule the on-field choice – with the rating stage at 3-3 in extra-time, earlier than Rangers went on to lose the shoot-out.
Collum added it was “not a difficult decision for the VAR team” and that they have been “not forensic enough in the analysis”.
Within the aftermath, Gers boss Philippe Clement stated it was “really weird” that Muir and Connor didn’t intervene, whereas new membership CEO Patrick Stewart requested for a proof over the incident. Rangers then went on to explain the incident as “damaging for the credibility of Scottish football more widely”.
Now, following the appointment of Muir as VAR for St Mirren vs Dundee on December 29, plus Connor’s return to the touchline as assistant referee at Rugby Park for Kilmarnock vs Aberdeen on Boxing Day and at Celtic Park when Celtic host St Johnstone on December 29 – Rangers have hit out on the SFA once more.
Appointments affect ‘credibility and confidence’
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New Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart – seen right here arriving at Ibrox for his first day within the position – requested the SFA for a proof over the incident
A press release learn: “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 elevate questions on their dedication to bettering officiating requirements and fostering accountability. Whereas Rangers FC totally respects the independence of officiating appointments and the necessity for referees to function with out interference, how the Scottish FA handles such high-profile failures instantly impacts its credibility and public confidence.
“The choice to reinstate the officers so shortly, and particularly for a fixture involving the membership which benefited from the error in query, has drawn widespread media scrutiny on the officiating failure and officers involved. This was each predictable and avoidable, and contradicts any acknowledged obligation of care from the Scottish FA in direction of their match officers.
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Rangers supervisor Philippe Clement speaks after Scottish FA head of referees Willie Collum admitted they need to have been awarded a penalty of their League Cup last defeat to Celtic
“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 stays dedicated to holding the Scottish FA accountable within the pursuits of the sport.”
Sky Sports activities Information has contacted the Scottish FA.
