David Edgar responds to introduction of new blue card law which may affect Rangers.
David Edgar, host of the Heart & Hand Rangers podcast, has stated that referees are still unable to execute their laws correctly, despite the announcement of a new blue card and sin bin rule.
According to the Telegraph [8 February], the International Football Association Board has approved a new rule that will remove players from play for ten minutes if they commit a cynical foul or show disagreement towards an official.
The new regulation could be trialled in the English FA Cup beginning next season after the FA volunteered for testing, implying that it is likely to be implemented in Scotland soon.
Edgar took to X in reaction to the news as he shared: “Not really into this. They can’t apply the laws we already have correctly, adding a new one isn’t likely to help.”
Rangers could be affected by the blue card rule
If, as is envisaged following trials in England scheduled for next year, this regulation is implemented in Scotland, the question will be whether referees will use it as intended, or whether it will be abused.
Too frequently, referees abuse their authority and issue harsh yellow cards, and with dissent now punishable by a blue card and ten minutes in the sin bin, the consequences of those outbursts may be even more severe.
While attempting to eliminate poor treatment of match officials, which Rangers have faced criticism for this season, there is a high risk of mistakes, as Edgar has pointed out.
Rangers have faced refereeing controversy this season, including the overblown Willie Collum saga at Celtic Park. Despite criticism for their outburst, the standard of officiating in Scotland remains a topic of discussion.
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