Rangers hit out at SFA for not yet disclosing VAR audio calling situation ‘unacceptable’

Rangers were not given a first-half penalty for a handball by Alistair Johnston; it was not until the second half when it was revealed it was not given due to an offside on Abdallah Sima in the build-up; Rangers have called the SFA’s process “unacceptable”

Rangers have criticised the Scottish FA for not yet disclosing the VAR audio they have requested over a penalty appeal in their 2-1 Old Firm loss at Celtic.

VAR took a look at a potential handball by Celtic defender Alistair Johnston while under pressure from Abdallah Sima and gave no penalty.

It later transpired that Sima was offside in the build-up but a goal kick was still given by referee Walsh.

It is understood officials didn’t consider Johnston’s hand or arm movement to the ball to be unnatural anyway, though even if they had, this would be irrelevant due to the offside.

Rangers have repeatedly asked the Scottish FA for a copy of the VAR audio surrounding their claim for a penalty but the authorities are refusing to share the content, according to a club statement.

A Rangers spokesperson said: “Despite repeated Rangers FC requests, the Scottish FA have so far failed to disclose the VAR audio to allow the club to understand the process around the non-award of a penalty in the first half of yesterday’s Old Firm match.

“Rangers officials stand ready to meet in-person or virtually with the Scottish FA at any time to hear and discuss the audio. However, the Scottish FA are refusing to both share the VAR audio and meet until at least Wednesday, five days after the Old Firm match and after the next round of Scottish Premiership fixtures. This is clearly unacceptable and heightens Rangers’ concerns over the lack of transparency, for which the need is urgent.

“Rangers have learned no penalty was awarded as the VAR official, Willie Collum, concluded a handball offence had not occurred in the first half. While the club and most observers are astonished by this ‘professional’ view, we remain perplexed and concerned about the Scottish FA’s motivations for sharing an offside image with broadcasters during the second half, when this was not the original reason why the penalty was not awarded.

“England’s Premier League and other leading European Leagues operate on a ‘nothing to hide’ basis, where open communication and full transparency are available to clubs and the public on contentious VAR calls in a timely manner. On a weekend where not only Rangers but also fellow Scottish FA member clubs have major questions over potentially match-changing incidents, our governing body would do well to heed that same mantra.”

Sky Sports News understands that Scottish FA CEO Ian Maxwell and Rangers CEO James Bisgrove did speak on Sunday and will meet on Wednesday.

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