Rangers have issued a strong and well-judged statement in response to a Scottish FA Notice of Complaint over a remark made during commentary of our clash with Hibernian at the end of last season. And let’s be clear – this is exactly the tone we’ve been crying out for.
Read more: Final Day Drama in Edinburgh as Rangers Draw with Hibs
At the heart of the issue is a comment made in the heat of the moment, during a decision which even the SFA’s own Key Match Incident Panel later ruled to be incorrect – with four out of five members agreeing Rangers were denied a legitimate goal. To see that followed by a disciplinary complaint has rightly raised eyebrows among supporters.
A Club That’s No Longer Backing Down
Rangers’ official response doesn’t mince words. The club makes it plain that it “firmly denies any breach” of SFA rules, and – crucially – calls out the “selective enforcement and inconsistency” we’ve all witnessed for years. They’ve gone one step further too, by providing a list of similar or worse comments made elsewhere in Scottish football that have never led to charges or sanctions.
That marks a shift. We’re no longer backing away. We’re no longer staying quiet. The club is calling it out, and doing so on solid ground.
Rangers FC has submitted a full response to the Scottish FA’s Notice of Complaint concerning a remark made during commentary of the Hibernian v Rangers match at the end of last season. The club firmly denies any breach of Scottish FA rules.
We are surprised that a complaint has been raised at all, given the context of the comment and the Scottish FA’s prior treatment of similar incidents.
Our response highlights that the Scottish FA’s own Key Match Incident Panel judged that the referee’s decision on the day was incorrect, with four out of five panel members agreeing that a goal should have been awarded to Rangers. That finding helps explain the nature of a spontaneous emotional comment, delivered during a highly charged moment and immediately challenged live on air.
Our response also sets out serious concerns about the Scottish FA’s selective enforcement and inconsistency. We have highlighted multiple examples of similar or stronger remarks made elsewhere in Scottish football that have led to no charges or sanctions.
While we remain committed to maintaining high standards, we will continue to challenge any action we consider to be unfair or disproportionate. For many supporters, this charge only adds to the wider frustration surrounding regulatory oversight in recent months when there are more serious issues in the game to tackle, including improving officiating standards for the benefit of Scottish football.
Scottish Football Association Rule the SFA say John Brown Allegedly Broke
A club or recognised football body which publishes, distributes, issues, sells or authorises a third party to publish, distribute, issue or sell a match programme or any other publication or audio/visual material of any description in any media now existing or hereinafter invented, including but not limited to the Internet, social networking or micro-blogging sites, shall ensure that any such publications or audio/visual material does not contain any criticism of any match official calculated to indicate bias or incompetence on the part of such match official or to impinge upon his character.
Consistency Returning Off the Pitch
There were concerns earlier this year when Rangers issued a hasty response to the TIFO at the Old Firm match – a situation that left some fans wondering whether the club had once again blinked too quickly under media scrutiny.
Read more: Fan Passion Curbed? Rangers’ Response to TIFO Sparks Concern
But what we’ve seen since has been far more assured. Whether it’s handling regulatory overreach or standing behind individuals associated with the club, Rangers are showing a welcome determination to stand firm.
Standing by Bomber
On the very same day this SFA charge landed, Rangers were proudly promoting John Brown’s involvement in upcoming stadium tours – a subtle but unmistakable sign of support for a Rangers legend who deserves respect, not censure. For many supporters, it felt like the club making a statement of its own, without saying a word.
A Wider Issue Still at Play
At the core of this is a broader concern: officiating standards in Scottish football. Fans are growing increasingly tired of decisions that don’t add up, explanations that come too late, and a lack of accountability. As the club rightly pointed out, there are more serious issues to be tackled in our game.
For once, Rangers are matching that frustration with action. If the SFA is going to apply rules unevenly, then they can expect a fight.
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