The Ibrox club has openly criticized the SFA for reinstating the VAR officials involved in the contentious decision that cost them a penalty during the match.
Although the SFA admitted the error and temporarily removed Alan Muir and Frank Connor from their duties, both officials have been assigned to Boxing Day fixtures.
Additionally, Connor has been appointed as a linesman for Celtic’s weekend match against St Johnstone, a move that has drawn attention in Govan.
Rangers released a strongly worded statement, challenging the SFA’s commitment to enhancing officiating standards and labeling the situation 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 centers on a 94th-minute incident in which Celtic defender Liam Scales appeared to foul Vaclav Cerny in the penalty area. After consulting VAR, referee John Beaton awarded a free-kick outside the box. Willie Collum, head of refereeing, later deemed the decision “unacceptable,” admitting that the officials “rushed” their analysis.
Muir, the lead VAR for the match, and Connor, his assistant, were sidelined for the following weekend but have since been reinstated.
While Rangers continue to demand answers, many view their reaction as excessive. The officials involved have already faced public scrutiny, missed assignments, and internal disciplinary measures. Notably, Frank Connor, who only assisted with VAR, was not the primary decision-maker in the incident.
The SFA’s decision to reinstate the officials aligns with standard football practice, where errors are acknowledged, addressed, and resolved.
Celtic, who arguably benefited from the error, have refrained from engaging in the dispute. Brendan Rodgers has previously emphasized that mistakes, even with VAR, are inevitable due to human interpretation. The Hoops remain focused on their upcoming games, while some fans perceive Rangers’ continued outrage as an unwillingness to accept the outcome graciously.
Callum McGregor shares hope Celtic will add ‘a few new faces’ in the January transfer window
Celtic are gearing up to strengthen their squad in January, with last weekend’s goalless draw against Dundee United highlighting the need for fresh energy within the team.
The Bhoys struggled at Tannadice due to injuries and illness in a frustrating stalemate, underscoring the necessity for additional players to handle a demanding fixture schedule.
As the New Year approaches, Celtic’s focus will shift to securing Champions League qualification in their final two group matches against Young Boys and Aston Villa. This provides extra incentive to bring in quality reinforcements to prepare for potential knockout-stage action.
Speculation is rife about a possible return for Kieran Tierney, while Sarpsborg winger Sondre Ørjasæter is also reported to be on Celtic’s radar as the transfer window nears.
Amid these developments, Callum McGregor has expressed his hopes for January reinforcements at Parkhead. Speaking to The Daily Record, McGregor emphasized the importance of adding “new faces” to maintain competition within the squad.
He stated: “In every window we do look to strengthen. The boys here have been fantastic, they have done ever so well. Naturally, being at a big club, there’s always competition for places. The club will always try and do the best deals that they can.
“It just remains to be seen what happens but the guys who do come in, we’ll get them up to speed as quickly as possible. When you’re at a big club, the demands are so high. You always have to be at the maximum level and pushing yourself, the squad and everybody. It’s a great environment to work in and the players really enjoy it.
“Like I said, come January we might have a few new faces in and that’ll push the group even further and the squad will get stronger. We’ll see what happens, but it’s always good to have new faces to push everyone as well.”
“You know you’ve got these guys that can come in and play at a level, even though they’ve not played so much football.
“That is a testament to how strong the squad actually is. We just keep pushing and we keep fighting. It’s a difficult period with the games and everything else, but we’ll just keep going.”
