Was the Real Opponent Celtic or the SFA?” Rangers Board Still Not Satisfied After SFA Explanation.

Was the Real Opponent Celtic or the SFA?” Rangers Board Still Not Satisfied After SFA Explanation.

Over Trusty Challenge, VAR Silence, and Controversial Decisions in Hampden Cup Defeat

Rangers have openly questioned whether their real challenge on Sunday was Celtic on the pitch or the refereeing and VAR decisions overseen by the Scottish FA. The board expressed continued frustration after their 3-1 Premier Sports Cup semi-final defeat at Hampden, saying they are still not satisfied with the explanation provided by the SFA regarding key incidents, including a controversial challenge on goalkeeper Jack Butland.

Central to the club’s complaints was the challenge by Celtic defender Auston Trusty, who caught Butland in the head while the goalkeeper was on the ground. Despite the severity, referee Nick Walsh issued only a yellow card, and the VAR team chose not to intervene. Rangers insist the review was “neither robust nor thorough,” raising questions about the fairness and consistency of officiating in high-stakes matches.

We’re left asking if we were playing Celtic or the referees,” the Rangers board said in a strongly worded statement.

“Even after the SFA’s explanation, we remain unsatisfied with the referee’s decision, the application of the Laws of the Game, and the VAR review itself.”

The controversy was compounded by the earlier sending-off of Rangers midfielder Thelo Aasgaard for a challenge on Celtic captain Callum McGregor, leaving the team down to ten men for much of the match. Rangers argue that these decisions shaped the flow of the game and ultimately influenced the outcome.

Sunday’s semi-final saw Celtic take the lead through Johnny Kenny, with Rangers equalizing via a James Tavernier penalty. Extra-time goals from Callum McGregor and Callum Osmand secured a 3-1 victory for Celtic, but debate over the Trusty incident has dominated post-match discussions.

Tavernier himself voiced frustration over the perceived leniency.

“Jack’s diving on the floor, he’s already got the ball and he gets kicked in the head… You can’t kick a goalkeeper in the head,” he said.

Rangers stressed that their concerns go beyond this single game. They argue that inconsistent decisions in major matches continue to affect results, fan confidence, and the integrity of Scottish football.

“Too many big calls go against us the SFA must act,” the board said.

“We remain unsatisfied with their explanation and will continue to hold the governing body accountable until meaningful change is made at the highest level.”

The statement acknowledged the anger and frustration among Rangers supporters, who have long voiced concerns over refereeing inconsistencies in high-profile fixtures.

> “We understand and share the anger among our supporters, who have grown frustrated at repeated inconsistencies in major match decisions. For the benefit of our supporters and the wider game in the country, we expect the SFA to deliver lasting improvements in refereeing standards,” the statement added.

While Rangers await further formal responses from the SFA, attention now returns to the domestic league. Celtic, meanwhile, prepare for the Premier Sports Cup final, carrying both the victory and the ongoing debate over officiating.

Rangers’ statement signals that the club will continue to press for reform, with the board emphasizing that the focus is not only on results but on ensuring fairness and consistency in Scottish football for players, staff, and fans alike.