Exclusive: Alex McLeish wants SFA change after Rangers controversies this season
We’re delighted to welcome former Rangers manager Alex McLeish as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Ibrox…
Alex McLeish has backed suggestions to make officials full-time in the Scottish Premiership after numerous incidents at Rangers this season.
The latest came in the 1-0 win at Livingston last week, where Alfredo Morelos was booked for an adjudged dive; something that saw Steven Gerrard sent off.
McLeish admitted that the change would help, but believes the officials making sacrifices may not happen due to the finances of the SFA.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, McLeish said, “I know they’ve had all of these debates all over.
“Listen, you would just want to make sure the standards are of a very high class, but again there’s a question of salary and some of these referees will have very good jobs – if they go full-time they can’t sacrifice their day job.
“Let’s face it, we don’t have the powers of money that the top countries have, but if there are full-time referees, then of course the standards would be expected to be higher.”
Gerrard has consistently urged the SFA to introduce full-time officials as well as goal-line technology after this season, which has seen numerous problems.
This would only help officiating, with the standard simply nothing short of rubbish.
The game at Livingston once again brought to life the huge problem facing clubs, there was clear contact between Morelos and the keeper, but yet four officials couldn’t spot it.
McLeish makes a perfect point though, it will all depend on how well the SFA can finance the numerous changes it would take.
In other Rangers news, Richard Gough hits back at criticism of Bears fans this weekend