Michael Stewart was once furious with referee appointed for Falkirk vs Rangers
Rangers will look to record long-awaited back-to-back Scottish Premiership wins as they travel to Falkirk on Sunday.
Rangers’ 2-1 victory over Livingston has done little to settle the discontent of Rangers fans, with Russell Martin facing increasing pressure.
Andrew Cavenagh continues to back Martin, and Rangers will have to mount a string of wins together if the former Southampton manager is to remain in the job.
Falkirk sit 11th in the Scottish Premiership and have struggled to adapt to the quality of the league since earning promotion.
Rangers faced refereeing controversy versus Hearts on 13 September, and will be hoping to avoid that in Sunday’s game at Falkirk.
Matthew MacDermid appointed for Falkirk vs Rangers
Matthew MacDermid is set to referee Sunday’s encounter, with Steven McLean named as the Video Assistant Referee.
MacDermid has refereed eleven matches in all competitions this season and has handed out 40 yellow cards and one red already.
The Bears have been embroiled in previous controversies with MacDermid, with the referee being criticised by former Hearts and Hibernian midfielder Michael Stewart.
Michael Stewart furious with two Matthew MacDermid decisions in 2024
If it weren’t for the intervention of VAR, MacDermid would have made a huge mistake in Rangers’ 3-0 win over St Johnstone in February 2024.
With Rangers taking a 1-0 lead going into the second half, Dujon Sterling was clearly brought down by Andy Considine; however, MacDermid failed to give it on field.
After consultation with VAR, MacDermid finally awarded the penalty, which James Tavernier duly converted.
At the time, Stewart said: “I was very surprised that the referee and linesman didn’t point to the penalty spot to begin with.
“It then, obviously, went to VAR, a penalty was given, and it was the right decision. You can see in real-time that it was a stonewall penalty kick.”
- MacDermid doesn’t award a penalty for Considine’s foul on Sterling
- VAR intervenes, and MacDermid goes back on his original decision to award the penalty
- Working as a commentator, Stewart labelled the decision as ‘stonewall’
Rangers have not always been on the receiving end of MacDermid’s decisions, and that was evident when they took on Hearts in November 2024.
MacDermid blew the full-time whistle right after Hearts appealed for a penalty when the ball appeared to strike Kieran Dowell’s arm.
As a result, VAR could not check the incident, leaving Stewart strongly critical of MacDermid’s body language following the incident.
Martin will be looking to avoid any form of controversy as Rangers look to build momentum in the Scottish Premiership.
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