Rangers thought they’d taken the lead towards Celtic when Alfredo Morelos scored from a nook; objective was dominated out for a push on defender Alistair Johnston with VAR agreeing with the on-field name; Rangers misplaced derby 3-2 to fall 12 factors behind in title race

The Scottish Football Association (SFA) and Rangers have condemned the abusive and threatening messages despatched to referee Kevin Clancy following Saturday’s Old Firm.

The messages have been referred to Police Scotland after the private {and professional} contact particulars of Clancy, who took cost at Celtic Park, have been revealed on-line after the match.

Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos tapped in Borna Barisic’s nook, solely to be penalised by Clancy for a push on defender Alistair Johnston.

Nick Walsh and Daniel McFarlane – who have been on VAR responsibility – agreed with Clancy’s choice, leaving the guests livid.

‘We all have a duty to guard our recreation’

The SFA has since confirmed its safety and integrity supervisor has been liaising with Clancy and Police Scotland following a collection of unacceptable messages that have been despatched through electronic mail and telephone over the vacation weekend.

Scottish FA chief govt Ian Maxwell stated: “The nature of the messages goes way beyond criticism of performance and perceived decision-making – some are potentially criminal in nature and include threats and abuse towards Kevin and his family.

“We have referred the correspondence to the police and condemn this behaviour within the strongest doable phrases, in addition to the posting of a referee’s private particulars on-line with the only real function of inflicting misery.

“Football is our national game. It improves and saves lives. Without referees, there is no game, and while decisions will always be debated with or without the use of VAR, we cannot allow a situation to develop where a referee’s privacy and safety, and those of his family, are compromised.

“We all have a duty to guard our recreation and people important to it.”

Rangers ‘astonished’ by SFA response

A Rangers spokesperson stated: “Firstly, Rangers condemns in the strongest terms any abuse of match officials. We are all passionate about our game, but targeted, personal abuse of referees cannot be tolerated.

“The membership can verify the Scottish FA has responded almost about the disallowed Alfredo Morelos objective, with the response claiming the proper choice was taken. The membership is astonished by this, particularly given most observers, together with former referees and former gamers, may see no situation with the objective standing.

“This comes following a weekend in England where PGMOL have offered an apology to Brighton and Hove Albion for the non-award of a penalty in their match with Tottenham Hotspur, alongside a pledge to review the incident.

“While an apology doesn’t alter the result of a match, such duty and openness can be welcome in Scotland.”

‘It is embarrassing’

Rangers went on to lose the game 3-2 and are now 12 points behind Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic, with seven video games to go.

Following his first league defeat as Gers boss, Michael Beale stated: “We definitely deserved something from the game.

“There are one or two selections that I believe have gone towards us, so I’m a bit disillusioned with that.

“Certainly, in terms of the goal Alfredo scores first half, their boy [Johnston] isn’t trying to play the ball and if you look at Alfredo’s shirt and the number on his back it’s twisted round to his left shoulder. That would prove that both were at it.”

Sky Sports co-commentator Ally McCoist questioned the very important on-field choice that denied Rangers a objective, including: “It is absolutely embarrassing the way we are running VAR. We are a laughing stock. He gives him a little nudge.”

Fellow co-commentator Andy Walker agreed with McCoist, whereas Sky Sports’ Kris Boyd did not maintain again within the studio, including: “It’s embarrassing.

“It’s a contact sport, Alistair Johnston has a grip of Alfredo Morelos and Alfredo Morelos has a grip of him as effectively.

“Then all of a sudden he decides to fall forward because he’s caught under the ball.

“The each of them are at it. There is a push from Morelos – he is simply attempting to free himself.

“For me I don’t think there’s enough in it to be given as a foul and if it was at the other end the Celtic fans and Celtic players would be of the exact same opinion.”

Sky Sports News revealed last January that Rangers held talks with the SFA over “a number of refereeing concerns” following their 1-1 draw at Aberdeen, which was additionally officiated by Clancy.

Scottish Premiership fixtures live on Sky

Sunday April 9: Dundee United vs Hibernian, kick-off 12pm

Friday April 14: Ross County vs Aberdeen, kick-off 7.45pm

Sunday April 16: Kilmarnock vs Celtic, kick-off 12pm

Saturday April 22: Hearts vs Ross County, kick-off 12.30pm

Sunday April 23: Aberdeen vs Rangers, kick-off 4.30pm

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