Rangers Football Club has publicly criticized the Scottish Football Association (SFA) following a £3,000 fine imposed after former player John Brown used the word "corrupt" to describe a refereeing decision on Rangers TV. The club stated they would be “watching closely” to ensure consistent application of SFA rules across all clubs.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy stems from a match where Nicolas Raskin appeared to score a goal that was not given. The SFA's key match incident panel later ruled that the goal should have stood. Brown's comments on Rangers TV regarding this incident led to the SFA citing Rangers for breaching disciplinary rule 38.
Rangers' Response
Rangers have firmly denied any breach of SFA rules and have questioned the consistency of the SFA's enforcement. They claim to have flagged numerous similar incidents on other club channels that did not result in charges. The club's statement emphasized the importance of equal treatment for all member clubs.
Demanding Clarity
Rangers intend to contact the SFA chief executive and president to seek clarity on the policies and processes in place to ensure a consistent and proportionate approach to enforcement. They question whether the SFA accepts that a rule which cannot be applied consistently across all clubs risks losing credibility as a fair regulation.
Broader Context: Partisan Commentary and Club Channels
The incident highlights the challenges faced by official club media outlets in balancing partisan commentary with SFA rules. While partisan commentary is often viewed as part of the fun by fans, club channels are bound by SFA regulations, making them subject to scrutiny. The SFA's decision to cite John Brown raises questions about the line between passionate support and inappropriate conduct.
Looking Ahead
The situation remains ongoing, and further developments are expected as Rangers pursue clarity from the SFA. The outcome could have implications for how clubs manage their media channels and the extent to which passionate commentary is permitted within the bounds of SFA rules.