Rangers have voiced “serious concerns” after two VAR officials involved in their League Cup final defeat by Celtic were returned to top-flight matches.

Alan Muir, the VAR for the match at Hampden Park, and his deputy Frank Connor were not on domestic duty last weekend after making a “unacceptable” mistake, according to Scottish FA head of officiating Willie Collum.

Celtic defender Liam Scales hauled down Vaclav Cerny in the first half of extra time, and on-field referee John Beaton ruled the incident to have occurred outside the area.

Despite evidence indicating a foul on the box line, Muir and Connor did not override the on-field judgment, resulting in a 3-3 tie in extra time and a loss for the Rangers in the shootout.

Collum stated that it was “not a difficult decision for the VAR team” and that they were “not forensic enough in the analysis”.

Following the incident, Gers coach Philippe Clement questioned why Muir and Connor did not act, while new club CEO Patrick Stewart requested an explanation. Rangers described the event as “damaging for the credibility of Scottish football more widely”.

Rangers have hit out at the SFA once more, following Muir’s appointment as VAR for St Mirren vs Dundee on December 29, as well as Connor’s return to the touchline as assistant referee at Rugby Park for Kilmarnock vs Aberdeen on Boxing Day and at Celtic Park when Celtic host St Johnstone on December 29.

Rangers FC has written the Scottish FA to express severe concerns and ask various questions over the prompt restoration of the two VAR officials involved in the officiating debacle during the recent Premier Sports Cup Final. We also see that one of the referees has been assigned to an SPFL Premiership match featuring the team that benefited from the blunder.

“The Scottish FA’s actions raise concerns about their commitment to raising officiating standards and promoting accountability. While Rangers FC fully respects the independence of officiating assignments and the necessity for referees to function without interference, how the Scottish FA handles such high-profile mistakes has a direct impact on its reputation and public trust.

“The decision to restore the officials so swiftly, particularly for a match involving the club that benefitted from the error in issue, has sparked extensive media attention to the officiating failure and the officials involved. This was both expected and preventable, and it contradicted the Scottish FA’s professed duty of care to its match officials.

“Mistakes happen in football, and how they are treated is critical. We would urge the Scottish FA to demonstrate its commitment to improving the quality and consistency of officiating in a transparent manner. We do not want to undermine the Scottish FA’s authority, or the integrity or independence of match officials, but rather to promote higher standards and accountability. This is not an issue of influence. It’s about excellent governance.

“Rangers FC expects tangible steps to be taken and remains committed to holding the Scottish FA accountable in the interests of the game.”

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