Cup Final SAGA Continues? Rangers Fans Would be SAD while Celtic Fans Would be HAPPY at SFA’s New DECISION on Officials of the Controversial Final and it is….

Rangers’ Ongoing Outrage: A Case of Sour Grapes or a Genuine Quest for Accountability?

The Scottish football fraternity is abuzz with the latest developments in the Rangers-Celtic saga, which refuses to die down even a fortnight after the Premier Sports Cup Final. The Ibrox club’s latest salvo is a strongly worded statement criticizing the Scottish Football Association (SFA) for reinstating the VAR officials involved in the contentious decision that denied them a penalty during the match.

At the heart of the controversy is the 94th-minute incident where Celtic defender Liam Scales appeared to foul Vaclav Cerny in the penalty area. Referee John Beaton awarded a free-kick outside the box after consultation with VAR, sparking outrage among Rangers fans and players. The SFA’s head of refereeing, Willie Collum, later admitted that the decision was “unacceptable” and acknowledged that the officials “moved too quickly” in their analysis.

The VAR officials involved, Alan Muir and Frank Connor, were stood down for the following weekend’s fixtures but have now been reinstated, much to Rangers’ chagrin. The club’s statement questioned the SFA’s commitment to improving officiating standards and fostering accountability, describing the situation as a “high-profile failure.”

While Rangers’ frustration is understandable, many observers believe that their reaction is disproportionate. The officials involved have faced public embarrassment, missed assignments, and were internally reprimanded. Moreover, Frank Connor was merely assisting on VAR and wasn’t the decision-maker during the incident. The SFA’s decision to reinstate the officials reflects standard practice in football, where errors are acknowledged, addressed, and then moved past.

Celtic, the supposed beneficiaries of the error, have wisely chosen to stay above the fray. Manager Brendan Rodgers has highlighted that errors, even with VAR, are part of the game due to human interpretation. The Hoops have shifted their focus to their upcoming fixtures, while many fans see Rangers’ ongoing outrage as an inability to accept defeat graciously.

As the debate rages on, it is essential to separate the wheat from the chaff. Rangers’ statement may be seen as a genuine attempt to hold the SFA accountable for their mistakes, but it also reeks of sour grapes. The club’s inability to accept defeat and move on is unbecoming, and their continued haranguing of the SFA may ultimately prove counterproductive.

In the world of football, mistakes are an inevitable part of the game. While it is essential to acknowledge and learn from these errors, it is equally important to move on and focus on the future. Rangers would do well to take a leaf out of Celtic’s book and channel their energies into their upcoming fixtures rather than perpetuating a futile debate.

As the Scottish football fraternity looks on, it is clear that the Rangers-Celtic saga is far from over. While the controversy surrounding the VAR officials may eventually die down, the underlying tensions between the two clubs will continue to simmer. Only time will tell if Rangers can put their disappointment behind them and focus on the challenges ahead.