Rangers express ‘serious concerns’ after League Cup final VAR officials reinstated to Scottish Premiership action | Football News

Rangers have expressed “critical considerations” after two VAR officers concerned of their League Cup last loss to Celtic had been reinstated to top-flight matches.

Alan Muir – who was VAR for the match at Hampden Park – and his assistant Frank Connor weren’t on home responsibility final weekend after committing an “unacceptable” mistake, according to Scottish FA head of refereeing Willie Collum.

Celtic defender Liam Scales introduced down Vaclav Cerny within the first half of extra-time and on-field referee John Beaton adjudged the incident to have taken place outdoors the field.

Whereas footage appeared to indicate the foul was on the road of the field, Muir and Connor didn’t overrule the on-field choice – with the rating degree at 3-3 in extra-time, before Rangers went on to lose the shoot-out.

Collum added it was “not a tough choice for the VAR group” and that they had been “not forensic sufficient within the evaluation”.

Within the aftermath, Gers boss Philippe Clement said it was “really weird” that Muir and Connor didn’t intervene, whereas new club CEO Patrick Stewart asked for an explanation over the incident. Rangers then went on to explain the incident as “damaging for the credibility of Scottish football more widely”.

Now, following the appointment of Muir 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 hit out on the SFA once more.

Appointments influence ‘credibility and confidence’

A press release learn: “Rangers FC has contacted the Scottish FA to specific critical considerations and ask a number of questions relating to the swift reinstatement of the 2 VAR officers concerned within the officiating failure through the latest Premier Sports activities Cup Remaining. We additionally observe one of many officers has been appointed to an SPFL Premiership match involving the membership that benefitted from the error.

“The Scottish FA’s actions elevate questions on their dedication to enhancing officiating requirements and fostering accountability. Whereas Rangers FC totally respects the independence of officiating appointments and the necessity for referees to function with out interference, how the Scottish FA handles such high-profile failures instantly impacts its credibility and public confidence.

“The choice to reinstate the officers so rapidly, and particularly for a fixture involving the membership which benefited from the error in query, has drawn widespread media scrutiny on the officiating failure and officers involved. This was each predictable and avoidable, and contradicts any said responsibility of care from the Scottish FA in direction of their match officers.

“Errors do occur in soccer, and the way they’re addressed issues enormously. We might urge the Scottish FA to show its want to enhance the standard and consistency of officiating and to take action in a clear method. We’re not looking for to problem the authority of the Scottish FA or the integrity or independence of match officers, however to encourage improved requirements and accountability. This isn’t about affect. It’s about good governance.

“Rangers FC expects tangible steps to be taken and stays dedicated to holding the Scottish FA accountable within the pursuits of the sport.”

Sky Sports activities Information has contacted the Scottish FA.