Hackett Exclusive: Rangers must not complain at Scottish FA announcement vs Celtic
Rangers will battle Celtic on Sunday, looking to secure a place in their first cup final of the season.
Rangers take on a Celtic side that will be managed by Martin O’Neill, after Brendan Rodgers resigned from his post on 27 October.
The chaos at Celtic may prove a distraction, and Danny Rohl and Co. will be hoping to take advantage on 2 November in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final.
However, there is one factor that will make the Gers concerned about the clash at Hampden Park.
Rangers have history with controversial Celtic clash official
Rangers’ Scottish League Cup final defeat to Celtic last season proved controversial, and Frank Connor, who was on VAR for that clash, has been appointed as an assistant referee for the contest on Sunday.
Connor failed to award a blatant penalty in favour of the Gers when Vaclav Cerny was bundled over by Liam Scales on the line of the box, instead supporting a free-kick when it was level at 3-3 in extra-time.
Former FIFA-listed referee Keith Hackett believes that the official’s history with the club should be taken into account when appointments are made.
Hackett insists that no official complaint should be made to change the appointment, however.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, he said: “Football fans have a long memory and I have no doubt that the appointment of Frank Connor will create debate.
“I do think that in the appointment process, those who are putting the names of the selected officials alongside the game should look at any potential exposure that the official may have with any one of the teams involved.
“I am not doubting Frank Connor’s ability; he is an experienced and reliable match official.
“However, he could easily have been appointed to the other semi-final game.
“Once the appointment is made, that should be the end of the matter, and I do not like the idea that any club should attempt to get a match official removed from a game.
“Let’s hope that the game goes well and is free of controversy.”
Rangers should be confident that they can beat Celtic
The Gers are unbeaten in their last five matches against their Glasgow rivals, so they will feel that they can secure victory.
They have drawn the last two, after winning 3-2 and 3-0 before that, and drew the aforementioned final 3-3 in normal time, before losing on penalties.
Rohl can take confidence from the recent record, and will hope to start his own history in the fixture with success.
The Gers need to disregard any concerns about Connor’s dismal decision-making in the final and focus on their own game and get the job done.
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