“We Won’t Be Robbed Again!” Kettlewell Slams SPFL, Refuse to Face Celtic at Celtic Park Until SPFL ‘Fix one thing’

Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell has launched a blistering attack on the SPFL, warning that his side “won’t be robbed again” as they prepare to face Celtic at Celtic Park later today.

The outspoken boss has accused the league of failing to hold referees and VAR officials accountable, claiming smaller clubs are being left to suffer from what he calls one-sided mistakes.

“We won’t be robbed again,” Kettlewell told reporters on the eve of the match. “Every time we play away at the big grounds, there’s controversy. There’s confusion. And it always seems to go one way. Something needs fixing and it needs fixing now.”

Pre-Match Tensions Boil Over

The build-up to the match has been overshadowed by Kettlewell’s fiery comments, which have sparked intense debate across Scottish football.

While the manager stopped short of suggesting a boycott, he made it clear that his patience with officiating and VAR has run out.

“We’re not asking for favours,” he added. “We’re asking for fairness. When you work all week, prepare your players, and then lose a match because someone in a booth can’t see what’s in front of them, that’s unacceptable.”

Kettlewell’s comments follow a series of contentious calls in recent Kilmarnock matches, including two overturned goals and a late penalty decision that went against his side. The manager believes these incidents highlight deep flaws in how VAR is being implemented and how officials are being managed.

The System Isn’t Working

In his press conference, Kettlewell pointed directly at the lack of transparency in referee communication and decision reviews, saying that fans and clubs alike are left in the dark.

“If VAR is meant to make the game fairer, then explain why the same situations are judged differently every week,” he said. “The system isn’t working, and it’s killing trust in the game.”

Sources at Rugby Park suggest that Kettlewell has already spoken privately to SPFL representatives seeking clarity on recent VAR procedures, particularly on why certain reviews were not conducted in Kilmarnock’s favour during key moments.

SPFL Declines to Comment

As of Sunday morning, the SPFL has not issued an official response, though insiders have said they are aware of Kettlewell’s concerns.

Privately, league officials insist VAR is being applied to the best of current resources and that no bias exists toward any club.

Celtic, meanwhile, have refused to be drawn into the controversy, focusing instead on preparing for a match that could extend their lead at the top of the Premiership table.

However, fans across Scotland have weighed in heavily online, with many neutrals supporting Kettlewell’s call for greater transparency.

One supporter wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

“He’s right. We just want to know how decisions are made. Every week it feels like VAR makes things worse, not better.”

Calls for Change

Kettlewell’s frustration mirrors a growing chorus among Premiership managers, many of whom have privately expressed concerns about VAR consistency and the quality of refereeing.

In recent weeks, several managers including Aberdeen’s and St Mirren’s have raised similar issues about communication and accountability.

“This isn’t about Celtic or any one club,” Kettlewell stressed. “It’s about how the game is being managed. The referees and VAR officials need to be reviewed, trained, and held responsible like the rest of us. We can’t just shrug and move on.”

A Message to the SPFL

With the match just hours away, Kettlewell insisted his focus remains on football, but he left the league with a warning.

“We’ll show up, we’ll fight, and we’ll play our hearts out,” he said. “But we won’t stay quiet. We’re done pretending everything’s fine. Fix the refereeing, fix VAR, just fix one thing.”

As the whistle gets ready to blow at Celtic Park, the tension is already palpable.

For Kilmarnock, today’s match isn’t just about points, it’s about principle.

And for Kettlewell, it’s about ensuring Scottish football finally gets its fairness back.