Rangers set for new charge after releasing statement as expert witnesses sought
Rangers could face an SFA charge after hitting out at referee decisions in the League Cup semi-final defeat against Celtic.
Celtic secured a 3-1 win over Rangers at Hampden Park to book a place in the final against St Mirren in December.
Danny Rohl’s side were forced to play with 10 men after Thelo Aasgaard was controversially sent off against Celtic for a high boot.
The frustration around that decision was only made worse when Auston Trusty kicked Jack Butland in the head, but remained on the field.
Rangers release statement against SFA after Celtic controversy
Trusty kicked out at Butland off the ball in a totally bizarre moment that clearly should have ended in a red card.
Referee Nick Walsh didn’t see the moment, nor did his assistants, Daniel McFarlane and Frank Connor.
Steven McLean and his VAR assistant, Andrew Dallas, opted against sending the Celtic defender off after review, despite referring to it as “reckless”, sparking fury from the Light Blues’ hierarchy.
Rangers released a statement on 3 November to voice their frustration with the decision and the frequency of poor refereeing calls.
It reads: “Club representatives met with the Scottish FA this evening to seek explanations for major decisions in the match, including the incident involving Jack Butland and Auston Trusty.
“Following that meeting, we remain unsatisfied with the explanation of the referee’s decision in that incident, the application of the Laws of the Game, and the VAR review itself, which we do not believe was sufficiently robust or thorough.
“We recognise that refereeing decisions can impact both sides in a game, but too many important matches continue to be influenced by calls that are inconsistent and difficult to justify. These decisions have real consequences, determining results, impacting fans, and affecting the livelihoods of players, coaches and staff whose work is judged by outcomes on the pitch.
“The club has consistently raised issues as they have occurred with the Scottish FA, but we do not feel there has been enough change in how refereeing is being developed at the highest level.
“We understand and share the anger among our supporters, who have grown frustrated at the repeated inconsistencies in major match decisions that continue to affect the club.
“For the benefit of our supporters and the wider game in the country, we will continue to hold the Scottish FA to account and expect them to lead meaningful progress that delivers lasting improvement.“
Keith Hackett moots Rangers charge after SFA statement
The Gers have every right to feel let down by the match officials at Hampden, as they went on to lose a semi-final largely down to two potential red card decisions.
Aasgaard was sent off, while Trusty wasn’t, even though both were described as “reckless” by VAR, and arguably the Celtic player showed more malice.
Rangers have clearly been left fuming by these decisions, but former FIFA official Keith Hackett believes their statement against the SFA should be met with a charge of its own.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, Hackett said: “The Scottish Football Association having had a meeting with Rangers FC to clarify the decisions in the recent game.
“Clearly have failed to satisfy the complaints by Rangers.
“The Club Statement by Rangers must be acted upon, and I would suggest that the following action needs to be taken.
“One, Rangers FC should be charged with bringing the game into disrepute.
“Two, an Independent panel chaired by a Judge should investigate the matter, calling on expert witnesses during the investigation.
“Three, the decisions in question should be judged separately by an Independent panel.
“This would include bringing in Roberto Rossetti, Head of Refereeing, to review and report on each of the decisions.”
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