Ex-Premier League referee makes 'corruption' admission after Rangers vs Hibernian VAR controversy

The blowback from Rangers' 2-1 loss to Hibernian is still coming through a day later.

The Bears have yet to win a competitive game under Derek McInnes with the gap to Celtic already beginning to grow.

One point from a possible six is far from ideal for the Gers' title prospects, and things will need to change quickly.

Of course, the penalty, conceded by Vanja Dragojevic, in Sunday's game has been a significant talking point, and that could be used as a way to alleviate some immediate pressure.

The controversial VAR decision has brought many in the realm of Scottish football into the public discourse as debate rumbles on.

A former Premier League referee is now weighing in on the penalty awarded to Hibs.

Which ex-Premier League referee has spoken about the Rangers-Hibernian controversy?

Referee Don Robertson has come under the microscope since the fallout of Rangers' loss at Ibrox.

Former referee chief Keith Hackett felt the decision could have went either way.

While Michael Stewart felt it was never a penalty against Rangers.

Jumping to conclusions over whether decisions like the one overseen by VAR on Sunday, 9 August are a sign of corruption should always be a last resort.

However, former Premier League referee Jeff Winter, who officiated between 1995 and 2004 is starting to budge on that fact.

He took to X to react to the incident stating: "I’ve always stuck to the incompetence rather than corruption line, but it does make you wonder!!"

Jumping to claims of corruption may be a step too soon, but with more decisions of that ilk, then the noise will only begin to grow.

And even those within the refereeing circle are beginning to be swayed in that direction - a terrible look for the Scottish FA.

Others, however, such as Chris Sutton, can't hide their bias over the penalty shout.

Why Rangers can't hide behind referee decisions

While Rangers can be rightfully aggrieved by the decision at Ibrox, their performance simply was not good enough.

They struggled to make the most of their dominance on the ball, and ultimately Hibs looked more dangerous on the counter than McInnes' side looked in possession.

Truthfully, they only have themselves to blame.

The Scotsman will hope that the impending arrival of PSV winger Couhaib Driouech could boost the Bears' chance creation.

Driouech is expected in Scotland within 48 hours as an agreement with the Eredivisie side has been reach.