Rangers Demand Refereeing Overhaul After Controversial Cup Defeat

In the aftermath of Rangers' recent Premier Sports Cup semifinal defeat by Celtic, the club's sporting director Kevin Thelwell has demanded greater consistency and quality in Scottish refereeing. Thelwell says Rangers were "disappointed with some of the consistencies of the refereeing on that day" and have had "strong conversations with the SFA about some of those inconsistencies and some of those decisions."

One particular incident that has drawn Rangers' ire is the yellow card shown to Celtic defender Auston Trusty, who appeared to catch Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland's head with his foot. Thelwell states that it is "clear from our side that it's a red card" and that "striking somebody on the head is nothing short of a red card."

The SFA's key match incident panel reportedly voted two to one that Trusty should have been sent off, but head of refereeing Willie Collum backed his match officials' decision not to show a red card. Thelwell says Rangers "fundamentally disagree" with this outcome and want to have further talks with the SFA to address the issue.

Looking ahead, Thelwell says Rangers "do expect to be fairly active" in the January transfer window, with new head coach Danny Rohl having the final say on signings. The club is also set to make several other key appointments, including a new academy director and a director of football operations.