Scottish FA to deliver financial sanction after what happened during Rangers win vs Livingston
Rangers finally claimed their first win of the Scottish Premiership season following a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Livingston on Sunday.
Max Aarons’ 94th-minute winner ensured that Rangers moved up to eighth in the league, as Russell Martin continues to face speculation over his future.
James Tavernier opened the scoring with an acrobatic finish before missing a penalty, as the Bears dominated the first half comfortably.
Mohammad Sylla nodded home past Jack Butland to equalise for Livingston, yet ultimately, Aarons’ contribution proved to be the difference.
It was something off the pitch, though, that could see the Scottish FA take action.
This article contains exclusive opinion from former FIFA referee Keith Hackett.
Livingston could face fine after social media post criticises officials
With Rangers 1-0 up, Derek Cornelius thought he scored his first Gers goal, yet VAR adjudged the ball to have hit the 27-year-old’s hand just before his strike.
The Livingston X account then posted the live update of the incident with a sarcastic reaction, something which could get them fined.
They joked: “Livingston get a VAR decision,” with clapping hands attached.
- 27th minute: VAR confirms a penalty for Rangers, which Tavernier misses
- 43rd minute: Rangers have the ball in the back of the net through Cornelius, only for VAR to intervene
- Livingston X account took a dig at the officiating following first-half events
Rangers’ penalty came from a pull of the shirt on Nico Raskin during a corner, with Livingston fans clearly outraged, despite it being very clear.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, former FIFA referee Keith Hackett outlined why Livingston could be sanctioned for their social media post that was critical of the refereeing decisions.
He said: “We have seen recently the FA take action on social media tweets at grassroots level, resulting in fines and suspensions.
“This I would expect the Scottish FA to replicate. This tweet from an official source connected with the club WILL result in action being taken by the authorities.
“I expect a financial sanction to nip this type of activity in the bud.”
Russell Martin must go on huge winning run
Just seconds after Aarons had scored the winner, the Light Blues fans continued to chant for Martin to be sacked.
This season has been a car crash from start to finish, with the Ibrox club suffering its worst start to a league campaign in 47 years.
The performances of many Rangers players have been woeful at times, with Martin’s style of play not aligning with their strengths.
Rangers have been abysmal defensively, with the Bears’ openness at the back proving to be a recurring issue week in and week out.
There are a few players who have impressed this season, with Djedi Gassama providing a constant threat down the left-hand side, whilst Oliver Antman was terrific on the other flank.
With Sturm Graz and Falkirk to come before the international break, Martin will need to win those matches and string a run of four or five wins, as one bad result puts him right back in the firing line.
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