Rangers FC has openly criticized the Scottish Football Association (SFA) following what they describe as a mishandling of the officiating fallout from the Premier Sports Cup Final error. The club has strongly opposed the rapid reinstatement of VAR officials Frank Connor and Alan Muir, raising serious concerns over accountability and officiating standards.
Rangers’ Concerns Over VAR and Frank Connor
The controversy stems from Rangers’ recent defeat to Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup Final, where the officials, including VAR duo Frank Connor and Alan Muir, made a significant error by denying Vaclav Cerny a penalty. While refs boss Willie Collum admitted that the officiating team got it wrong, the decision to stand Connor and Muir down was only temporary, with both officials swiftly returning to action over the festive period.
What has particularly drawn Rangers’ ire is Frank Connor’s assignment to Celtic’s upcoming SPFL Premiership match against St. Johnstone—a move the Ibrox club describes as “predictable and avoidable.” Alan Muir will also serve as VAR for St. Mirren’s clash with Dundee later this week.
Rangers Issue Scathing Statement
The criticism was underscored in a strongly worded Christmas Eve statement from Rangers. The club called the decision to reinstate Connor and Muir a blow to officiating credibility, stating that it undermines efforts to improve transparency and public trust in the SFA.
The Rangers statement read, “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 club emphasized that their actions are not meant to undermine the integrity of the SFA but are instead aimed at establishing better governance and fairness for the sport.
Call for Tangible Steps
Highlighting the broader need for improved officiating standards, Rangers FC has urged the SFA to take concrete steps toward ensuring accountability and fostering transparency. “Mistakes do happen in football, and how they are addressed matters enormously,” the statement added. “We expect tangible steps to be taken and remain committed to holding the Scottish FA accountable in the interests of the game.”
Rangers’ criticism encapsulates a larger conversation about the role of VAR and its execution within Scottish football. The controversy has spotlighted the need for processes that balance accountability with trust, particularly when decisions directly impact teams’ fates on the field.
By referencing swift reinstatements and potential conflicts of interest, Rangers aim to reignite the discussion on governance and the importance of accountability in officiating—a topic football fans will undoubtedly follow with interest in the coming weeks.