Rangers: Ex-SFA official rages over 'entirely unacceptable' Ibrox controversy amid 'personal intimidation'
Former Scottish FA official Steve Conroy has labelled Rangers' fans' actions as "entirely unacceptable" after personal attacks on Willie Collum.
As the VAR official, Collum was, rightly, criticised for his decision not to aid Nick Walsh in handing Rangers a penalty against Celtic in the Old Firm derby, with the later revelation of offside in the build-up never being discussed.
However, Conroy believes that the "personal intimidation" is a step too far from the Rangers fans who are still furious with Collum's actions after the match, as well as during.
Speaking to Daily Record on Friday (5 January), he said: "Any personal attacks on people just for refereeing a game of football is totally, totally uncalled for and entirely unacceptable.
"Scrutiny is part and parcel of being a referee. Having people disputing your decisions is accepted as part of the business. But not if there’s any personal intimidation involved. Like I always say: No ref, no game.”
It's just a game
Conroy has got the right attitude. Yes, the match officials should be questioned for their decision-making, especially in such a high-intensity situation, such as the Old Firm derby.
But threatening the VAR official, which also strikes fear into his family, is just wrong. Even calling for Collum never to referee a Rangers game again is too far. They are human, which can lead to human error.
It is definitely a decision that could have effects on Rangers' season moving forward but, at the end of the day, football is just a sport. And someone's safety is far more important than kicking a ball around.
There needs to be better communication between the club and the SFA. Also, after this situation, trust will need to be rebuilt over time, especially with private details from a meeting between the two being leaked to the fans, triggering more rage towards Collum.