Rangers question 'swift reinstatement' of VAR officials
Rangers have contacted the Scottish FA to express concern at Alan Muir and Frank Connor being appointed as match officials so quickly after the Premier Sports Cup final penalty controversy.
The pair failed to intervene in the VAR room when Vaclav Cerny was fouled by Liam Scales at Hampden.
On-field referee John Beaton awarded a free-kick, with Muir and Connor failing to spot that the offence carried on into the box.
Both men were dropped by head of referees Willie Collum for the following weekend of fixtures after he labelled their performances "unacceptable".
Connor will run the line at Celtic's match at home to St Johnstone, with Rangers taking particular issue at him being involved in a game involving Brendan Rodgers' side so quickly.
Muir will be in the VAR for St Mirren against Dundee.
"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."
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