Rangers are demanding clarity from the SFA and SPFL following a controversial VAR decision during the Premier Sports Cup Final. The club believes they were wrongly denied a penalty in extra time against Celtic, with the score tied at 3-3.
The incident involved Liam Scales, who was booked for pulling back Vaclav Cerny at the edge of the Celtic box. However, replays revealed that the foul occurred inside the penalty area. Incoming Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart has formally contacted the SFA, seeking an explanation, prompting the SPFL to take swift action ahead of this weekend’s Scottish Premiership fixtures.
VAR Officials Dropped from Premiership Duties
VAR officials Alan Muir and Frank Connor are under intense scrutiny for failing to overturn the on-field decision and recommend a penalty. Referee John Beaton awarded a free kick, but VAR should have intervened and ensured the correct call was made.
In response, the SFA and SPFL have decided to remove Muir and Connor from officiating duties for this weekend’s Premiership fixtures. This decision follows criticism from former referee Bobby Madden, who stated Rangers were denied a clear penalty.
“This is 100% a penalty kick,” Madden commented. “The holding occurred within the penalty area, and I’m astonished VAR didn’t intervene. The referee team had performed well until that point, but that’s precisely why VAR exists.”
Referee Appointments for Rangers v Dundee
Rangers fans may see this development as progress as the club continues to challenge what they perceive as a pattern of controversial decisions favoring Celtic.
The SFA has also announced the referee appointments for Rangers’ upcoming Premiership match against Dundee at Ibrox on Saturday. Matthew MacDermid will officiate, assisted by Graeme Stewart and Alistair Mather. Nick Walsh will oversee VAR, with Graeme Leslie acting as his assistant.
Rangers will aim to bounce back from their Cup Final disappointment and secure three points when they face Dundee at 3 PM on Saturday.
