Rangers have slammed the SFA and the performance of referee Nick Walsh in Sunday’s Old Firm defeat at Hampden.
The Ibrox club had sought an explanation as to why Celtic defender Auston Trusty was not sent off after kicking Jack Butland in the head as the goalkeeper lay on the turf towards the end of the first half.
Walsh deemed the incident worthy of only a booking, with VAR Steven McLean backing-up the on-field decision and deciding that a review on the pitchside monitor was not necessary.
A group of senior officials from Rangers, including chief executive Patrick Stewart, met with the SFA’s head of refereeing Willie Collum to express a number of concerns.
But the club insisted that they remain ‘unsatisfied’ with the explanation offered to them — claiming that the VAR process had not been robust or thorough enough.
After losing to Celtic 3-1 in extra-time in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final clash, Rangers also claimed that the SFA have failed to improve the overall standard of officiating in Scottish football.
Celtic defender Auston Trusty connects with Jack Butland’s head as he lies on the turf
Trusty’s boot appeared to flick out after the Rangers goalkeeper had safely gathered the ball
Trusty immediately pleaded his innocence but Rangers were irate at the leniency shown
A club statement read: ‘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.
Rangers went down to ten men at Hampden when Aasgaard saw red for a lunge on Ralston
‘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 in the country, we will continue to hold the Scottish FA to account and expect them to lead meaningful progress that delivers lasting improvement.’
Rangers legend Ally McCoist has also taken aim at Walsh, labelling the Trusty clash as ‘one of the worst decisions I’ve seen in a long time’.
Speaking on talkSPORT, McCoist said: ‘Rangers were actually miles better after their red card, which was a sending-off.
‘Remarkably, the referee did not send-off the Celtic centre-half (Trusty) for deliberately kicking the Rangers goalkeeper in the head.
‘It was one of the worst decisions I’ve seen in a long time. Then VAR didn’t send him off either.
‘But it was a great game, a really good game. Really enjoyable.’
