‘Unacceptable’ – Ex-FIFA official blasts SFA over latest Rangers development

Rangers’ relationship with the Scottish Football Association has been fraught with tension in recent years.

From the 2012 financial meltdown at Ibrox to the recent refereeing controversies in games involving Rangers, the SFA has constantly had the spotlight shone on it by those in Govan.

Earlier this week, it was reported that the SFA have axed Alan Muir after the now-former VAR official made a series of high-profile errors, including the failure to award Rangers a penalty in their Premier Sports Cup defeat to Celtic in December.

Now, more news has emerged from Hampden Park involving the Light Blues.

SFA decide on Vaclav Cerny punishment after Rangers v Celtic drama

Vaclav Cerny found himself the subject of a police investigation last month after he sprayed water at Celtic fans in Rangers’ Scottish Premiership win at Parkhead on 16 March.

While Police Scotland has decided there was no criminality involved in Cerny’s antics, it hadn’t been decided what the SFA would do with the Czech attacker.

Fortunately for Rangers, it was revealed on 9 April that an investigation led by compliance officer Martin Black has concluded that Cerny won’t serve a suspension and instead has been given a formal warning about his future conduct.

Keith Hackett is bemused by the SFA’s decision and believes it sets a dangerous precedent for future incidents involving players and fans.

“Cerny is frankly very lucky to escape a sanction and has got off lightly,” the former Premier League and FIFA-listed official told Ibrox News.

“This is unacceptable behaviour and I am not sure that the Scottish FA are sending out the right message to other players on this.

“They have set the bar too low, in my opinion.

How much will Rangers have to pay to sign Cerny permanently?

Cerny has been in good form at Ibrox since joining Rangers on loan from Wolfsburg in the summer transfer window.