“BAD NEWS”- Rangers set for new charge after releasing statement as expert witnesses sought

“BAD NEWS”- Rangers set for new charge after releasing statement as expert witnesses sought

Rangers could be facing disciplinary action from the Scottish FA after publicly criticising refereeing decisions during their 3–1 League Cup semi-final defeat to Celtic at Hampden Park.

Celtic booked their place in December’s final against St Mirren, but the match was overshadowed by controversy surrounding several key decisions.

Danny Rohl’s men were reduced to ten players when Thelo Aasgaard was sent off for a high challenge — a call many felt was harsh. Tensions grew further when Auston Trusty appeared to kick Jack Butland in the head yet escaped with only a yellow card.

Rangers’ furious response to SFA

The incident, which saw Trusty lash out off the ball, sparked outrage among Rangers fans and officials.

Referee Nick Walsh and his assistants failed to spot the challenge in real time, while VAR officials Steven McLean and Andrew Dallas reviewed the footage but decided against upgrading the punishment — even though they described the tackle as “reckless.”

Rangers released a strongly worded statement on 3 November, blasting the standard of officiating and calling for greater accountability from the Scottish FA.

“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 inconsistent and unjustifiable calls.

These decisions have real consequences, determining results, impacting fans, and affecting the livelihoods of players, coaches, and staff.

The club has consistently raised such issues with the Scottish FA, but we do not feel enough progress has been made to improve refereeing standards at the highest level. For the benefit of our supporters and the wider game, we will continue to hold the Scottish FA to account and demand meaningful change.”

Keith Hackett: “Rangers should face punishment”

While many sympathised with Rangers’ frustration, former FIFA referee Keith Hackett argued that the club’s public criticism could itself warrant disciplinary action.

Speaking to Ibrox News, Hackett said the SFA had already met with Rangers to clarify the decisions but had clearly failed to satisfy the club.

“The Scottish Football Association, having met with Rangers to discuss these incidents, have not managed to ease their concerns,” Hackett said. “However, Rangers’ public statement must now be acted upon.”

He went on to outline what he believes should happen next:

1. Rangers FC should be charged with bringing the game into disrepute.
2. An independent panel chaired by a judge should investigate the matter, calling on expert witnesses as part of the inquiry.
3. Each refereeing decision should be reviewed separately by the panel, with UEFA’s Head of Refereeing, Roberto Rossetti, brought in to provide an external assessment.

Hackett’s comments have added another layer to an already heated debate, as questions continue to mount over refereeing consistency and Rangers’ handling of the fallout from yet another controversial Old Firm clash.