Rangers reveal 'overriding consensus' that handball call was incorrect
Last updated 3rd Jan 2024
Rangers say there was an 'overriding consensus' in their meeting with the Scottish FA that the decision not to award them a penalty against Celtic was incorrect.
Ibrox chiefs met with representatives of the governing body following Saturday's Old Firm clash.
Referee Nick Walsh and VAR Willie Collum chose not to award a spot kick when the ball hit Alistair Johnston's hand at Celtic Park.
It had been suggested an offside in the build up could have been the reason, however, Rangers claim there was no mention of this in the audio between officials after hearing it for themselves.
They have now asked the Scottish FA to release the tapes so they can be heard by the general public - and are unhappy with the 'haste' in which the call was made on the day.
A Rangers spokesperson said: “Rangers FC today met with Scottish FA officials to discuss the VAR handball call and subsequent miscommunications from Saturday’s Old Firm match.
“From the meeting, there was an overriding consensus the VAR decision of no handball was incorrect.
“Having listened to the audio, there is no mention of a potential offside at the time of the handball decision. Rangers is also deeply concerned at the haste at which the erroneous no-handball call was made.
“Rangers has appealed to the Scottish FA to release the audio and explain this decision, and future contentious decisions involving all clubs, to the public, as would be common practice in England for such a decision.
“The club has made a number of specific requests that it hopes the Scottish FA will respond to in order to improve matters going forward.”
The Scottish FA have chosen not to comment - but are understood to 'strongly dispute' the Ibrox side's account of the meeting.
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