Rangers board called to make change after Celtic and Kevin Clancy controversy
Rangers and Celtic need to do better to prevent the unacceptable targeting of referees, according to Stephen McGowan of the Scottish Daily Mail [15 April, Page 116].
Following Kevin Clancy’s controversial decision against Alfredo Morelos in last week’s Old Firm game, the whistler was targeted with threats and had personal information posted online.
McGowan believes that the Old Firm clubs, in particular, have a duty of responsibility not to inflame the intensity and fanaticism of sections of their fans.
In his Scottish Daily Mail column, he put forward that a different approach is required in reacting to such hotly contested matters.
“In Glasgow and beyond, Scotland’s biggest football clubs act as a lightning rod for fanatics”, said McGowan.
“The power that gives them over supporters and the game at large can’t be overstated and, with power, comes responsibility.
“Maybe it’s time the people who run the clubs made an effort to wield it with more care.”
Heavy responsibility has consequences
The clubs and the supporters have a responsibility collectively, as well as on an individual basis.
The writer is correct to highlight the unacceptable abuse that was meted out to Clancy following his decision in last week’s game. Yes, he was due criticism for getting the call wrong, especially with VAR at his disposal but there is a greater point made around the officials.
Some calls will be right, others wrong. As stated, most clubs have questioned the referees but to what impact? What changes for the better when nothing changes?
The big clubs need to play their part but so do the football authorities.
If the SFA and SPFL are serious about supporting their referees, the best thing they could do is to make them full-time, professional officials instead of the current failed approach.
That would mean more time preparing for the games, developing in different ways and giving them the optimum chance of making better decisions on the pitch more often.
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