Ex-FA official accuses Ross McCausland of cheating after controversial Rangers incident
Former SFA and FA official Bobby Madden has accused Rangers gem Ross McCausland of cheating during a controversial incident during the Gers’ clash with Livingston.
The Northern Irish winger won his side a penalty during the Light Blues’ clash at the Tony Macaroni Arena back in November when he went to ground in the penalty area under very little contact from Shamal George.
Despite the minimal contact, a penalty was awarded, only for it to be missed by James Tavernier and former referee Madden has accused McCausland of simulation while advocating for the SFA to share and broadcast the audio from crucial referring decisions.
As quoted in the Scottish Mail on Sunday (24 December, pages 84 & 85) he said: “I do genuinely think the SFA should take the opportunity to share their opinions weekly.
“I just don’t know if we are any closer to that happening. Now, with VAR and having the audio, it’s a real opportunity. I think the match officials would welcome it. They are mature and brave enough to hold up their hands to a mistake. Whether they would want to share audio or not, I’m not sure.
“But for the sake of transparency, it’s the only way people will have a full understanding of how a decision was arrived upon. And it’s about education. Not criticising officials. Referees will make mistakes, I know that better than anyone.
“The decision to give Rangers a penalty kick at Livingston is a recent example. For me, quite clearly, that was simulation. People have said they can’t believe it wasn’t checked. But it would have been checked, they have just decided not to take it to an on-field review.
“That’s where the education helps. Let’s hear the audio and what was discussed.”
Get on with it
There can’t be many teams in world football that get criticised for something as out of their control as Rangers do for their penalty calls. Every week, whether or not they got one or not, opposition fans and journalists are complaining that the Gers get spot-kicks.
McCausland did go down incredibly easy against Livingston, there is no doubt about that. But that decision was a month ago and the penalty was ultimately missed. It did little to impact the game or the season so why continue to moan about it?
The referees in Scottish football are far from good enough and they have been rightly criticised over the last few seasons. Releasing the audio may help supporters understand the pressure they’re under as it has done in the Premier League.
However, it seems unfair to target Rangers and McCausland over an issue that lies more with the officials than Rangers. Hopefully, steps will be made to improve officiating for the good of the Scottish game, not just because of one team.
In other Rangers news, Dujon Sterling has claimed that his recent form is a result of watching videos of Yaya Toure on YouTube