It’s worth noting this evening that theRangers have been bleating on about the ‘competence’ of the country’s refereeing fraternity for quite some time now, more recently in the past few weeks after being soundly beaten by a Celtic side in transition and without a permanent managerial team in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden Park.
Earlier today that whining clearly paid off big time as they incredibly avoided conceding a penalty kick at home to Livingston, despite a run of replays showing that it was in fact, one of the stonewaller variety.
See again for those curious/furious: pic.twitter.com/P8Dkawjwd2
— jib (@JoshTBrown27) November 22, 2025
The incident was missed by the on field officials, but John Beaton on VAR and his assistant both decided that no further action would be required, as he said nothing to see here, play on and maybe even We Are The People.
Incredibly, there was time for the refereeing beaks to put out a statement to the media whilst the game was still going, as they overwhelmingly backed their men in black.
It yet again displays the incompetence and inconsistency of the refereeing administration, if they think that was not a penalty kick.
Just a few weeks ago they told us all that Tony Ralston was guilty of infringement in an incident that resulted in a spot kick to the Ibrox side.
It’s not me being biased saying that today’s incident was much more punishable, it’s a fact. Why they think today isn’t worthy of the same punishment is baffling.
Not all of theRangers supporters were happy with the decision. David Martindale, the Livingston manager could not believe that VAR did not intervene and says that he has watched the incident from every available angle and on each one it is clear handball, with an outstretched arm with the ball net-bound.
‘I’d like Willie [Collum] to phone and explain that one to me’ 📞
David Martindale believes his Livingston side should have had a penalty at Ibrox ⤵️#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/bqFfwZHNkP
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) November 22, 2025
In the end theRangers toiled to a 2-1 win, to go just two points behind Celtic who play later this evening.
It looks very much that weeks of pressure from the Ibrox club has paid off. Probably the intention all along and now we wait with interest to hear what Willie Collum has to say about this one. The VARs need to watch out though because the wee clubs who feel the cost of VAR the most and feel that they get the short straw too frequently are no beginning to question paying for this service.
🗣️ “My take from that game is why we never got a penalty… I’m baffled how they can get that wrong”
A furious David Martindale on Livingston’s first-half penalty claim in their 2-1 defeat at Rangers, as he says VAR “is ruining the game” ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/H0iZycxDVI
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) November 22, 2025
Stephen Robinson, the St Mirren manager, made his own thoughts very clear on this at his pre-match media conference ahead of tonight’s match. To be clear the view he expressed was his own and not necessarily St Mirren’s but when the manager has lost confidence then it’s quite easy to image the board feeling the same way.
Robinson said, as reported by Belfast Telegraph: “I won’t talk about separate incidents but in terms of VAR itself, it’s been three and a half years now and I don’t see an improvement with it.
“For me, VAR isn’t fit for purpose in the form that we have it in this country. When it comes to minuscule and small decisions, I don’t believe the system’s accurate enough. We’re paying for a product that isn’t delivering. In any other walk of life you take the product back so that’s probably all I need to say on it. I don’t believe that the system’s working.
“Scottish football fans, Scottish clubs are paying for it. It is not free. Ultimately, have to ask yourself is it making Scottish football better? No. We’re probably in a really good position to talk about it for the last three and a half years. But I’m talking about the whole of Scottish football, your Dundee United, Hearts, Rangers, Celtic. We’re all putting money into something that over time doesn’t seem to have improved.
“The actual system itself. Small margins which these decisions are being made on now is not accurate enough. That has been proven over the last couple of weeks. Would that (money) not be better invested into players? I can get maybe two top players with that in terms of our level.
“Fans can maybe get tickets reduced or facilities could be improved. Every club can benefit, training facilities from the money we’re putting into that. I don’t believe it’s helping Scottish football in any shape or form.”
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
Last orders for Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter
Last remaining copies of Celtic in the Eighties – get your copy now before it’s too late! Here’s what you get…
- David Potter’s beautifully produced hardback book, the Celtic Historian final work before his passing. Your copy will also be personally signed by Celtic legend Danny McGrain!
- You’ll also receive a complimentary copy of another brilliant David Potter book – Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style.
Order Celtic in the Eighties from Celtic Star Books and we’ll automatically add Putting on the Style. Please note postage will only be charged on one book so there is no cost to you at all for the Willie Fernie biography.
These two books combined will make a brilliant Christmas present!
I’m heartsick of the cheating every game is managed by biased referees wether it’s fouls halting play or blatant thuggery every decision is twisted against Glasgow Celtic football club and athletic coy.Injury is a real concern for every Celtic player as opposition players know they get away with it against the champions.Stats back me up who knew.
VAR isn’t the problem, the officials that misuse it are
HH