SFA take action on VAR officials behind Rangers penalty cock-up as Dundee referee confirmed
12/17/2024 10:35 AM
Rangers are demanding answers from the SFA and SPFL following the incorrect application of VAR in the Premier Sports Cup Final.
There is now a resounding consensus that Rangers should've been awarded a penalty kick in extra time against Celtic at Hampden with the scoreline tied at 3-3.
Liam Scales was shown a yellow card for hauling back Vaclav Cerny at the edge of the Celtic box, only for replays to show the Rangers winger was actually inside the area.
Incoming Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart has contacted the SFA demanding an explanation and now the SPFL have taken an early course of action ahead of this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixtures.
VAR duo dropped for Scottish Premiership fixtures
VAR duo Alan Muir and Frank Connor are in the spotlight after a failure to award the penalty kick in a crucial juncture of the Premier Sports Cup Final.
Whistler John Beaton awarded a free kick on the park but the VAR team should've intervened, taken their time and ultimately allowed the referee to point to the spot.
But with major scrutiny on both officials, the SPFL and SFA have taken both Alan Muir and Frank Connor out of the spotlight.
Neither official has been included in this weekend's round of Scottish Premiership fixtures as per the SFA's referee appointments.
It comes after the likes of ex-referee Bobby Madden insisted that Rangers should've "100%" had a penalty at Hampden.
"This is 100% a penalty kick," said Madden after the match. "It doesn't matter when the holding started, when it ended or what direction the players are moving.
"This is clear evidence of holding within the penalty area and I'm amazed this hasn't been identified by VAR.
"Referee team had been excellent until that point. Difficult live, but that's why VAR is there."
Rangers v Dundee referee team confirmed
Rangers fans will view the decision as a positive step forward as the club pushes the SPFL and SFA after a series of high profile decisions which have gone in Celtic's Old Firm favour.
The release of the referee appointments also confirms the refereeing team for the visit of Dundee at Ibrox Stadium this Saturday.
Rangers are preparing to welcome the Dee to Ibrox at 3pm on Saturday afternoon in the Scottish Premiership and will look to get straight back to winning ways.
Rangers' clash with Dundee will be refereed by Matthew MacDermid, with Graeme Stewart and Alistair Mather the whistler's assistants.
Nick Walsh will be on VAR duties at Ibrox with Graeme Leslie set to be Walsh's assistant.
