Never-Seen-before scenario can now happen after Scottish FA confirms through a statement following Celtic vs Rangers controversies
Unprecedented Scenario Looms in Scottish Football as SFA Confirms Rangers Goal Offside Amid Celtic vs. Rangers Controversy
In a dramatic turn of events, the Scottish Football Association (SFA) has issued a statement that could reshape the narrative surrounding the fiercely contested Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers. The statement addresses controversies from the May 4, 2025, Scottish Premiership clash at Ibrox, which ended in a 1-1 draw, confirming that a disallowed Rangers goal was indeed offside. This confirmation quashes rumors and speculation, potentially paving the way for a never-before-seen scenario in Scottish football—one where transparency, accountability, and fan sentiment collide to challenge the status quo.
The Old Firm derby, a fixture steeped in history and rivalry, delivered its usual dose of intensity on May 4, 2025. Rangers took the lead through Cyriel Dessers just before halftime, capitalizing on a swift counterattack sparked by Vaclav Cerny’s clever dummy and Mohammed Diomande’s precise pass. Celtic responded in the second half with Adam Idah’s equalizing goal, which itself sparked debate after initially being flagged offside but overturned by VAR, with Daizen Maeda deemed not to have interfered with Rangers goalkeeper Liam Kelly’s line of sight despite being in an offside position.
However, the focal point of controversy was Rangers’ disallowed goal in the 27th minute. Nicolas Raskin’s header beat Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo, sending Ibrox into raptures, only for VAR official Andrew Dallas to intervene, ruling the goal offside. The decision fueled heated discussions among fans, pundits, and Rangers’ interim manager Barry Ferguson, who believed his side was robbed of a legitimate goal. Social media platforms, particularly X, buzzed with Rangers supporters alleging bias, with posts claiming the decision was part of a pattern of officiating favoring Celtic. One user,
@gtj1247
, described the VAR call on Celtic’s goal as “absolute nonsense,” while
@AJ9352
pointed to a perceived trend of officiating inconsistencies in Old Firm matches.
The SFA’s statement, released in response to the swirling rumors and Rangers’ calls for transparency, confirmed that Raskin’s disallowed goal was correctly ruled offside following a thorough VAR review. The association emphasized that the decision adhered to IFAB’s offside laws, with Raskin fractionally ahead of the last Celtic defender when the ball was played. While the SFA did not release the VAR audio—unlike Rangers’ earlier requests in a January 2024 controversy over a handball decision—the statement aimed to “clarify the decision-making process” and urged fans to trust the integrity of the officiating system.
Yet, far from quelling the debate, the SFA’s confirmation has ignited a broader conversation about officiating, fan trust, and the future of Scottish football. The statement’s timing, coming after days of speculation, has amplified calls for systemic changes, including public access to VAR audio, real-time referee explanations, and even independent oversight of officiating decisions. These demands, while not new, have gained unprecedented momentum, setting the stage for a potential overhaul that could mark a historic shift in how Scottish football is played
