Rangers conspiracy theorists called ‘maniacs and crackpots’ as SFA announcement causes controversy
We’re delighted to welcome Tam McManus as our exclusive Rangers columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Ibrox…
Tam McManus refuses to believe Kevin Clancy is biased towards Celtic after he was appointed as referee for Rangers’ upcoming Old Firm clash in Glasgow’s East End.
Michael Beale and his men will make their way to Parkhead on Saturday (8 April) but news of the SFA’s refereeing appointment ahead of the Scottish Premiership fixture has caused a buzz on social media.
David Edgar, of the Heart & Hand Podcast, suggested that Clancy is a Celtic fan in light of the announcement while the referee, in July 2020, said “I can absolutely guarantee you that the referees officiating in the Scottish Premiership know exactly what is at stake this season” ahead of the Bhoys’ failed bid to win 10 titles in a row.
McManus isn’t having any of it, however.
“That’s the conspiracy theories of Scotland for you, unfortunately,” McManus told Ibrox News.
“I don’t think any referee is biased towards any club. I’ve genuinely always thought that even when I was playing.
“I think they go out to do their job at the best of their ability and now, with social media, it just cranks it up even more.
“I read a stat the other day that said the last three Old Firm games that Kevin Clancy has refereed, Rangers have won them all.
“I don’t think he is at all biased but that’s Rangers and Celtic for you.
“There are a lot of maniacs and crackpots who think referees make decisions because they grew up supporting a team. I don’t buy into that at all.”
As per stats on transfermarkt, Clancy has refereed 50 Celtic matches in his career, with the Hoops having a 74 per cent win-rate.
In the 40 Rangers matches he’s taken charge of, the Gers have a 57 per cent win-rate and have also received more yellow and red cards.
In other Rangers news, this Ibrox coach is being tipped to leave Govan for a “big club in England” as managerial speculation emerges south of the border.