Rangers’ Europa League Exit Marred by Refereeing Controversy
Rangers endured a heartbreaking Europa League exit on Thursday night, falling 2-0 to Athletic Bilbao and crashing out of the quarter-finals. While most agree that the Glasgow side underperformed over the two legs, key refereeing decisions could have drastically altered the outcome of the tie.
One of the major flashpoints came in the first half with the match still goalless, when Cyriel Dessers appeared to have his shirt clearly pulled inside the penalty area by Yeray Alvarez. Rangers appealed for a penalty, but the referee waved play on. Later, another shout for a handball inside the Bilbao box was also dismissed by referee Irfan Peljto at San Mames.
Frustration with Peljto’s performance has only intensified following fresh revelations about his track record. According to The Scottish Sun (18 April), the Bosnian official was suspended for six matches earlier this season by his own Football Association after a trio of blunders during a September clash between Zrinjski Mostar and Borac Banja Luka. His errors in that game included the failure to award two penalties—drawing uncomfortable parallels to Thursday night’s contest.
Rangers interim boss Barry Ferguson was left fuming after the game, feeling his team had been denied two clear spot-kicks. Former FIFA referee Keith Hackett has now raised serious questions over UEFA’s decision to appoint Peljto for such a high-stakes European fixture.
Speaking to Ibrox News, Hackett remarked, “Rangers were denied a clear penalty when Dessers had his shirt practically ripped off. And now we’re hearing that this referee was banned for six games by his own FA earlier this season for similar errors. You really have to ask how UEFA thought it was appropriate to put him in charge of a quarter-final.”
With their Europa League campaign now over, Rangers are left with only pride to play for as their domestic season winds down. Their Scottish Premiership title hopes were dashed weeks ago, and attention now turns to what’s next for the club.
Ferguson, who is hoping to make his interim role permanent, will view the final five games as a chance to prove he’s the right man to lead the team forward. For the fans, however, Thursday’s final whistle in the Basque Country likely marked the symbolic end of a season filled with disappointment and unfulfilled potential.
While the Europa League dream is over, the manner of Rangers’ elimination—compounded by controversial officiating—will leave a bitter taste for supporters and players alike.
