Philippe Clement, the manager of Rangers, opened up about the emotional toll of the VAR controversy in the recent cup final, admitting that it has left a lasting scar on him. In the aftermath of the incident, Clement had a direct conversation with referee Willie Collum to gain insight into the decision-making process that led to the controversial call. Despite the disappointment and frustration stemming from the VAR blunder, Clement applauded Collum for his honesty and transparency in explaining the situation.
The manager expressed his concern over the impact of the incident on the credibility of Scottish football, stating that the controversy had garnered widespread attention across Europe, tarnishing the image of the sport. Clement stressed the importance of upholding high standards in officiating to ensure fair play and maintain the integrity of the game. He called for a collective effort from all stakeholders involved in Scottish football to work towards improving the standards and avoiding similar controversies in the future.
Reflecting on the aftermath of the cup final, Clement highlighted the need for greater accountability and clarity in decision-making processes to prevent game-deciding errors from occurring. He emphasized the importance of following the rules and ensuring that there is no ambiguity in crucial decision-making moments that can impact the outcome of matches.
Despite the disappointment and frustration stemming from the VAR controversy, Clement expressed optimism for the future, focusing his energy on building a successful team and achieving positive results with Rangers. He underscored the importance of learning from past experiences and using them as motivation to drive the club forward. As Rangers prepare for their upcoming match against Dundee, Clement remains determined to overcome the challenges they face and strive for success in the future.