In the aftermath of the Scottish Cup final clash between Rangers and Celtic, Rangers legend Allan McGregor has unleashed a scathing critique of the “state” of referees in Scotland. The contentious match saw a notable moment when referee Nick Walsh chose not to penalize a foul on Cyriel Dessers in the penalty box, resulting in the Rangers striker being forced off the pitch at halftime. McGregor was visibly frustrated by the decision, engaging in a heated exchange with Celtic manager Neil Lennon over the incident.
Furthermore, the match referee was kept busy throughout the game, with a VAR review leading to a crucial goal from Abdallah Sima being controversially ruled out. This decision sparked frustration from the Rangers camp, with McGregor and his teammates expressing disbelief at the outcome. The disallowed goal stoked tensions among players and fans alike, with former referee Bobby Madden offering his support for the match officials’ decision.
The post-match analysis saw contrasting opinions from pundits and former players, with McGregor continuing to voice his displeasure at the refereeing standards in Scottish football. The intense scrutiny on the officiating further escalated when Liam Scales’ challenge on Dujon Sterling went unpunished, prompting strong reactions from both camps.
Despite the controversial calls and heated exchanges, Celtic emerged victorious, securing a double triumph having already clinched the Scottish Premiership title. McGregor’s frustration with the referees’ decisions reflected a wider sentiment of dissatisfaction with the refereeing quality in Scottish football, highlighting the need for a thorough review of officiating standards to ensure fairness and transparency in future matches.
