More than a week after losing the Premier Sports Cup Final to Celtic at Hampden, Rangers’ discontent continues to dominate headlines.
This time, the Ibrox club has publicly criticised the SFA over the reinstatement of the VAR officials involved in the controversial decision that denied them a penalty during the match.
Despite the SFA’s acknowledgement of the mistake and the demotion of Alan Muir and Frank Connor from officiating duties, both are back in action for Boxing Day fixtures.
Furthermore, Connor has been given the job of running the lines in Celtic’s weekend clash with St Johnstone, a detail that has not gone unnoticed in Govan.
Rangers issued a strongly worded statement questioning the SFA’s commitment to improving officiating standards, describing the situation as a “high-profile failure.”
Their statement read: [Clyde 1]
“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 raise questions about their commitment to improving officiating standards and fostering accountability. While Rangers FC fully respects the independence of officiating appointments and the need for referees to operate without interference, how the Scottish FA handles such high-profile failures directly affects its credibility and public confidence.
“The decision to reinstate the officials so quickly, and in particular for a fixture involving the club which benefited from the mistake in question, has drawn widespread media scrutiny on the officiating failure and officials concerned. This was both predictable and avoidable, and contradicts any stated duty of care from the Scottish FA towards their match officials.
“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 remains committed to holding the Scottish FA accountable in the interests of the game.”
The controversy stems from a 94th-minute incident where Celtic defender Liam Scales appeared to foul Vaclav Cerny in the penalty area. Referee John Beaton awarded a free-kick outside the box after consultation with VAR. Willie Collum, the head of refereeing, later admitted the decision was “unacceptable” and acknowledged the officials “moved too quickly” in their analysis.
Muir, the lead VAR for the match, and Connor, his assistant, were stood down for the following weekend’s fixtures but have now been reinstated.
While Rangers continue to push for answers, many believe their reaction is disproportionate. The officials involved have faced public embarrassment, missed assignments, and were internally reprimanded. Importantly, Frank Connor was merely assisting on VAR and wasn’t the decision-maker during the incident.
The SFA’s decision to reinstate the officials reflects standard practice in football, where errors are acknowledged, addressed, and then moved past.
Celtic, the supposed beneficiaries of the error, have stayed above the fray. Brendan Rodgers previously highlighted that errors, even with VAR, are part of the game due to human interpretation. The Hoops have shifted their focus to their upcoming fixtures, while many fans see Rangers’ ongoing outrage as an inability to accept defeat gracefully.
