Later this month, Premiership clubs will attend a meeting at Ibrox to discuss issues around refereeing in the SPFL.
A meeting about referees being held by Rangers at Ibrox. That will send the conspiracy theorists into meltdown!
On Monday evening, the Herald’s Stephen McGowan reported that the gathering was set to take place and the rationale for the event.
At the moment, it is unclear how many clubs will attend.
However, there is believed to be significant interest from other clubs in Scotland’s top flight, to press on with the discussion aimed to influence change and improvements in officiating.
Rangers to host referee meeting at Ibrox
The referees have a tough job, but the SPFL doesn’t make it easy for them.
The current semi-pro status of Scotland’s whistlers and the implementation of the current version of VAR are just two of the topical matters set to come under the spotlight.
The Herald’s McGowan also revealed Rangers had informed the club’s Fan Advisory Board that dialogue had been opened with the SFAs head of referees Willie Collum.
Ibrox chiefs have made the case that ‘structural improvements’ are required to support officials.
At the 23 April meeting, the Scottish FA will not be represented, but if progress is achieved, the case will be taken to the governing body after further SPFL deliberation.
Dundee’s Steven Pressley says Scottish VAR “not fit for purpose”
While Rangers clearly want to be at the forefront of change, there is shared ground on the matter.
That is clear, as evidenced by Dundee boss Steven Pressley on Saturday.
He was left frustrated and bemused after a calibration issue caused an eight-minute VAR delay, with his team waiting on a penalty decision during the 2-2 draw at Kilmarnock.
“I actually feel for our officials,” said Pressley.
“I don’t put any blame on our officials, none at all.
“We’ve put them in a really, really difficult situation, he added.
“The problem we have in this country is the lack of investment into the technology that’s required. As a result, it’s really difficult for them to make the correct decision because our technology is not fit for purpose.”
Damning.
More reaction to follow tomorrow on Read Rangers.
