Rangers have expressed “serious concerns” after two VAR officials involved in the League Cup final loss to Celtic were reinstated in League One matches.
Alan Muir – who was using VAR in the match at Hampden Park – and assistant Frank Connor were not on local duty last weekend yet. Committing a mistake is “unacceptable”, according to Scottish FA refereeing chairman Willie Collum.
Celtic defender Liam Scales brought down Vaclav Cerny's challenge in the first half of extra time, with referee John Beaton ruling that the incident occurred outside the penalty area.
While footage emerged showing the foul was on the penalty area line, Muir and Connor did not overturn the decision on the pitch – with the score at 3-3 in extra time. Before Rangers lost on penalties.
Cullum added that this “wasn't a difficult decision for the VAR team” and that they “did not do the forensic analysis enough”.
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
Sky Sports News' Gordon Duncan with all the details after SFA chief referee Willie Collum admitted Rangers should have been awarded a penalty against Celtic in their League Cup final loss.
In the aftermath, Gers coach Philippe Clement said it was “really strange” That Muir and Connor did not intervene while The club's new chief executive, Patrick Stewart, asked for an explanation of the incident. Rangers then went on to describe the incident As 'damaging the credibility of Scottish football more widely'.
Now, Muir has been appointed as the VAR for St Mirren's match against Dundee on 29 December, as well as Connor returning to the touchline as an assistant referee at Rugby Park for Kilmarnock's match against Aberdeen on Boxing Day and at Celtic Park when Celtic host St Johnstone on 29 December. Rangers have struck SFA again.
Appointments affect 'credibility and trust'
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
New Rangers chief executive Patrick Stewart – seen here arriving at Ibrox on his first day in the role – has asked the SFA for clarification over the incident.
A statement read: “Rangers Football Club has contacted the Scottish Football Association to express serious concerns and ask several questions regarding the rapid reinstatement of the VAR officials involved in a refereeing failure during the recent Premier League Cup Final. We also note that one of the officials did so.” He was invited to an SPFL Premiership match involving the club that benefited from the mistake.
“The Scottish Football Association’s actions raise questions about its commitment to improving refereeing standards and promoting accountability. While Rangers fully respects the independence of refereeing appointments and the need for referees to operate without interference, how the Scottish Football Association deals with such high-profile failings directly impacts on its credibility and public confidence in it.” .
“The decision to reinstate referees so quickly, particularly in relation to a match involving the club that benefited from the foul in question, has sparked widespread media scrutiny about the refereeing failure and the officials involved. This was predictable, avoidable, and contradicts nothing.” The Scottish Football Association's stated duty of care towards match officials.
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
Rangers boss Philip Clement speaks out after Scottish FA chief referee Willie Collum admitted they should have been awarded a penalty in their League Cup final defeat to Celtic.
“Fouls happen in football, and how they are addressed is very important. We urge the Scottish Football Association to demonstrate its desire to improve the quality and consistency of refereeing and to do so in a transparent way. We are not seeking to challenge the authority, integrity or independence of match officials, but to encourage Improving standards and accountability is not about influence, it is about good governance.
“Rangers expects to take concrete steps and remains committed to holding the Scottish Football Association to account in the interests of the game.”
Sky Sports News I contacted the Scottish Football Association.
