“JUST IN”- Rangers issue stinging 239-word statement taking aim at SFA over ‘referee inconsistencies’ after Celtic defeat

“JUST IN”- Rangers issue stinging 239-word statement taking aim at SFA over ‘referee inconsistencies’ after Celtic defeat

Rangers Furious Over Refereeing “Inconsistencies” After Celtic Semi-Final Defeat

Rangers have voiced strong dissatisfaction with the “consistency of refereeing in Scottish football” following their 3-1 extra-time defeat to Celtic in Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden Park.

The Ibrox club were reduced to ten men after midfielder Thelo Aasgaard was shown a straight red card for a high challenge on Anthony Ralston, catching the Celtic defender on the upper thigh.

While there was little dispute over Aasgaard’s dismissal, Rangers have taken issue with the failure to send off Celtic defender Auston Trusty, who caught goalkeeper Jack Butland on the head with a high boot just before half-time.

Referee Nick Walsh opted to show Trusty a yellow card, and VAR official Matthew MacDermid did not recommend an on-field review.

Rangers believe that decision significantly influenced the match, which they later took to extra time before Celtic eventually sealed a 3-1 win to book a place in next month’s final against St Mirren.

In a strongly worded statement released late on Monday night, Rangers accused the Scottish FA of failing to apply the rules consistently and said they remain “unsatisfied” with the explanations provided during post-match discussions with officials.

The Full Rangers Statement

“The handling of key incidents during Sunday’s semi-final has again raised legitimate concerns about the consistency of refereeing in Scottish football.

“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, we will continue to hold the Scottish FA to account and expect them to lead meaningful progress that delivers lasting improvement.”