Willie Collum shocks with SFA mockery as fallout continues after Rangers controversy
Willie Collum is set to infuriate Rangers by backing Nick Walsh and Andrew Dallas for not sending off Auston Trusty in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final.
Former referee Des Roache has now accused the Head of Referee Operations of making a mockery of the Scottish FA, with his shocking decision to side with the on-field official and VAR operator after the controversy in the Gers’ 3-1 loss at Hampden Park on 2 November.
The Key Match Incident Panel (KMI) admitted that Trusty should’ve been sent off for his challenge on Jack Butland, after the defender caught the goalkeeper on his head with his foot just before half-time.
Collum isn’t a popular figure at Ibrox already, and he may be about to become an even bigger villain in G51.
Rangers to be furious with Willia Collum
Collum agrees with Walsh and Dallas’ assessment that Trusty’s challenge lacked malice, according to the Daily Record.
The news outlet reports on 12 November that Scottish football’s refereeing chief has given his approval that the American centre-back’s actions only warranted a yellow card.
With the KMI panel already supporting claims of an officiating error at Hampden Park, the Ibrox chiefs will certainly be left with rage over what Collum is set to do.
Speaking on Hotline Live on 12 November, Roache said: “As soon as VAR has the opportunity to look at it, I’m sorry, all bets are off, it’s a red card. Excessive force and brutality shouldn’t come into it. The bare facts are that it’s a red card offence.”
The ex-referee added: “I heard the other day this was going to be backed up, which really shocked me. It makes a mockery of the whole SFA thing. Willie has already said that the KMI panel don’t hold jurisdiction over them. So what’s the point of it? They’re always going to just back their own guys.”
Collum recently axed Alan Muir from VAR duties after controversies involving the two Old Firm clubs, and fans in G51 were undoubtedly hoping for something similar, as the standard of refereeing in Scotland has come under the scanner.
Danny Rohl right with what he said after Premier Sports Cup loss
Rohl has refused to be drawn into the refereeing controversy surrounding the Celtic game, with the German manager focused on the Gers’ performance.
Speaking to BBC Sport Scotland after the game, the Rangers head coach said: “It’s not my position to talk about decisions. You can have a discussion, but I will not be part of this discussion. I concentrate on my group and I see a lot of positive things.”
It just goes to show that the former Sheffield Wednesday boss isn’t going to use any excuses at Ibrox for the Light Blues’ performances.
Rohl is right to focus on his team, and it’s up to the Glaswegian outfit’s hierarchy to address any off-field concerns they may have about officials in Scotland.
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