The SFA has admitted that Rangers were wrongfully denied a penalty during their Premier Sports Cup final defeat to Celtic at Hampden.
The decision came after a contentious incident in the 94th minute – the fourth minute of extra time – when Celtic defender Liam Scales was judged to have fouled Vaclav Cerny just outside the penalty area.
With the match poised at 3-3 and heading towards a penalty shootout, Scales appeared to tug Cerny’s jersey as the Rangers winger tried to break into the box. Referee John Beaton blew for a foul and awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box. However, replays showed the infringement occurred on the line – meaning a penalty should have been awarded.
VAR officials, led by Alan Muir, failed to intervene and did not send Beaton to the pitchside monitor to review the incident. As a result, the free-kick was taken by James Tavernier, who fired the effort over the bar.
According to reports in The Scotsman, Patrick Stewart, Rangers’ new chief executive, discussed the decision with Willie Collum, the SFA’s Head of Referee Operations. Collum admitted that VAR officials made an error in not recommending a review, which would likely have led to a penalty being awarded to Rangers.
Collum is expected to publicly address the mistake on the SFA’s VAR Review Show, which will be recorded and aired later this week.
While the admission of a mistake will frustrate Rangers fans, the assumption that it would have changed the game’s outcome is speculative at best.
Even if Rangers had converted the penalty, there were still 25 minutes of extra time left to play. Given Celtic’s relentless attacking style and their ability to respond under pressure, it’s highly plausible the Hoops would have thrown everything forward in search of an equaliser – and potentially a winner. This narrative that it was the only thing standing in the way of Rangers winning is desperate stuff.
Celtic had already demonstrated their resilience throughout the match, coming from behind after a very poor first half. It’s far from guaranteed that a successful penalty for Rangers would have sealed the trophy.
Rangers’ reaction to the decision has been predictably vocal, with Philippe Clement and club officials expressing their frustration. However, the reaction from sections of the Ibrox support reflects a refusal to acknowledge Celtic’s ability to adapt and fight back. Rangers’ narrative often seems to hinge on external factors rather than recognising their shortcomings in the match.
It’s been embarrassing the reaction from Rangers, but then, what else were we to expect?
Ultimately, the focus should remain on the bigger picture: Celtic’s determination, composure, and perfect penalty execution in the shootout. Brendan Rodgers’ side once again showcased the “mindset of champions”, as noted by Billy Dodds, and proved that they can rise to the occasion when silverware is on the line.
While the SFA’s admission may offer some consolation to Rangers, it changes nothing about the outcome.
In the end, even if Rangers had been awarded that penalty, Celtic’s resolve suggests the result may have remained the same – another trophy heading to Parkhead.
