Rangers controversy as SFA ‘could demote figure’
Willie Collum and the SFA could demote Nick Walsh to the Scottish Championship for a round of games after his error in the Dundee United versus Rangers game, according to Des Roache.
Walsh controversially issued Mohamed Diomande a red card in last weekend’s 3-1 win at Tannadice, which the Gers have since successfully appealed.
That may not be the end of the matter, though, as former Grade 1 referee Roache believes the SFA could yet take more action after the comical blunder.
“It’s not a good look for the SFA. Willie Collum won’t be pleased with this at all,” Roache told the Daily Record’s Hotline Live [28 January].
“I’m surprised Nick Walsh jumped in so quickly. How has he gone down this route? I have no idea. Don [Robertson, on VAR] tried to bail him out – he didn’t take that lifeline.
“Walsh will be held accountable. He may drop down into the Championship. But my personal view is he will be supported then drop down the following week. It’s a monumental mistake.”
Rangers get justice with Mohamed Diomande decision
The good news from Rangers’ perspective is that no real harm has been done. The Gers picked up the win against Dundee United, with the red card coming late on.
With it since being overturned, Diomande is now free to play against Ross County next weekend, with that following Thursday’s (28 January) European tie with Union Saint-Gilloise.
Still, this really was a shocker of a decision. And ultimately, when fairly high-profile errors are made – the game was broadcast live on Sky Sports with many watching on – someone has to be held accountable.
If that means Walsh dropping down to the Championship for a round of fixtures, so be it. Hopefully it will then be a case of lesson learned.
As for Rangers, they can now draw a line under this and move on. Rest assured, though, this will not be the last refereeing controversy this season.
In other Rangers news, all the latest Gers transfer news has been rounded up in one place.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.