SFA set to make admission to Rangers after major public outcry

The Scottish Football Association (SFA) is reportedly preparing to admit to Rangers that they should have been awarded a penalty during the League Cup final against Celtic, according to The Scottish Sun [17 December].

The match, held on 15 December, ended in a 3-3 draw before Celtic claimed victory in a 5-4 penalty shootout. A controversial moment arose when Rangers’ Vaclav Cerny was fouled on the 18-yard line. Referee John Beaton awarded a free-kick, and VAR officials Alan Muir and Frank Connor did not recommend a review.

As a result of the incident, both VAR officials involved have been dropped from officiating any fixtures this weekend.

Rangers CEO Demands Answers

New Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart, who assumed his role on 16 December, has reportedly sought clarity from the SFA regarding the decision. It now appears that Stewart will receive the confirmation he demanded, acknowledging that the decision to deny Rangers a penalty was incorrect.

An Apology Offers Little Consolation

While the expected admission may validate Rangers’ frustration, it offers no remedy to the outcome of the match. An apology cannot change the game’s result or its impact on the team and supporters.

Although there is no guarantee Rangers would have converted the penalty, the incident came at a crucial moment in a tightly contested match at Hampden. A penalty could have significantly influenced the outcome, potentially altering the game’s trajectory.

Moving Forward

Despite the disappointment, Rangers can take some positives from their performance, as they pushed Celtic to the limit. A victory in the final would have been a morale boost, but the team must now focus on carrying the competitive spirit shown at Hampden into their league campaign.

Acknowledging the SFA’s forthcoming admission, Rangers may feel vindicated in their protests, using the experience to build momentum and confidence moving forward.

In other news, SFA duo punished after Rangers-Celtic controversy