Rangers issue angry statement and concerned about Scottish football after Celtic loss

Rangers have expressed their dissatisfaction following a meeting with the SFA, which they say failed to address their concerns over Auston Trusty not being sent off in Sunday's Premier Sports Cup semi-final. The Gers sought an explanation from the governing body as to why Trusty remained on the pitch.

Ibrox chiefs met with referee boss Willie Collum on Monday evening, but were unimpressed by what the former official had to say. The Rangers management does not accept his justification for why on-field referee Nick Walsh only issued Trusty a yellow card for kicking Jack Butland in the head. They also believe the VAR review of the incident was not comprehensive enough and questioned the application of the game's laws.

A club statement read: "The handling of key incidents during Sunday's semi-final has again raised legitimate concerns about the consistency of refereeing in Scottish football.

"Club representatives met with the Scottish FA this evening to seek explanations for major decisions in the match, including the incident involving Jack Butland and Auston Trusty.

"Following that meeting, we remain unsatisfied with the explanation of the referee's decision in that incident, the application of the Laws of the Game, and the VAR review itself, which we do not believe was sufficiently robust or thorough.

"We recognise that refereeing decisions can impact both sides in a game, but too many important matches continue to be influenced by calls that are inconsistent and difficult to justify. These decisions have real consequences, determining results, impacting fans, and affecting the livelihoods of players, coaches and staff whose work is judged by outcomes on the pitch.

"The club has consistently raised issues as they have occurred with the Scottish FA, but we do not feel there has been enough change in how refereeing is being developed at the highest level.

"We understand and share the anger among our supporters, who have grown frustrated at the repeated inconsistencies in major match decisions that continue to affect the club.

"For the benefit of our supporters and the wider game in the country, we will continue to hold the Scottish FA to account and expect them to lead meaningful progress that delivers lasting improvement."