Rangers express ‘serious concerns’ after League Cup final VAR officials reinstated in Scottish Premiership action | football news

Rangers have expressed “serious concerns” after two VAR officials involved in their League Cup final defeat to Celtic were reinstated in top-flight matches.

Alan Muir, who was VAR for the match at Hampden Park, and his assistant Frank Connor were not on domestic duty last weekend after making an “unacceptable” error, according to Scottish FA head of refereeing Willie Collum.

Celtic defender Liam Scales brought down Vaclav Cerny in the first half of extra time and on-field referee John Beaton deemed the incident to have taken place outside the box.

Although footage appeared to show the foul was on the penalty line, Muir and Connor did not overturn the decision on the field, with the score tied at 3-3 in extra time. before the Rangers lost the shootout.

Collum added that it was “not a difficult decision for the VAR team” and that “they were not forensic enough in the analysis”.

then, Gers boss Philippe Clement said it was ‘very strange’ that Muir and Connor did not intervene, while The club’s new CEO, Patrick Stewart, asked for an explanation about the incident. The Rangers then described the incident as “detrimental to the credibility of Scottish football more widely”.

Now, following Muir’s appointment as VAR for St Mirren vs Dundee on December 29, plus Connor’s return to the touchline as assistant referee at Rugby Park for Kilmarnock vs Aberdeen on Boxing Day and at Celtic Park when Celtic host St Johnstone on December 29 – Rangers have struck again at the SFA.

Appointments affect ‘credibility and trust’

A statement said: “Rangers FC have contacted the Scottish FA to express serious concerns and ask a number of questions about the swift reinstatement of the two VAR officials involved in the refereeing blunder during the recent Premier Sports Cup final. We also note that one of the referees has been appointed for an SPFL Premiership match involving the club that benefited from the error.

“The Scottish FA’s actions raise questions about its commitment to improving officiating standards and fostering accountability. While Rangers FC fully respects the independence of official appointments and the need for referees to operate without interference, the how the Scottish FA handles such high-profile failures directly affects its credibility and public trust.

“The decision to reinstate the referees so quickly, and particularly for a club match which benefited from the error in question, has led to widespread media scrutiny of the refereeing failure and the referees involved. This it was foreseeable and avoidable, and contradicted any stated duty of care owed by the Scottish FA to its match officials.

“Mistakes happen in football, and how they are dealt with is very important. We 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 do not intend to challenge the ‘authority of the Scottish FA or the integrity or independence of party officials, but to encourage improved standards and accountability It is not about influence.

“Rangers FC look forward to tangible steps being taken and remain committed to holding the Scottish FA accountable in the interests of the game.”

Sky Sports News the Scottish FA has been contacted.