RANGERS have blasted the SFA after they were issued a Notice of Complaint for the comment made by former player John Brown following the controversial ‘ghost goal’ at Easter Road last month.
Brown, 63, was on commentary duties for Rangers TV when he went apoplectic over Nico Raskin‘s denied goal – branding the Scottish game ‘corrupt’ live on air.
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The Belgium international thought he had scored Rangers’ second against Hibs on May 17 after the ball appeared to go over the line – but it wasn’t awarded in what Brown branded ‘the worst decision he’s ever seen’.
The nine-in-a-row legend was furious with the outcome and was defended by the club in the aftermath after an investigation was launched by the Scottish FA.
Rangers have since challenged the complaint raised by Hampden bosses on the flashpoint.
The club insist no rules were breached as they called out “selective enforcement and inconsistency” over similar incidents.
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A Rangers spokesperson said: “Rangers FC has submitted a full response to the Scottish FA’s Notice of Complaint concerning a remark made during commentary of the Hibernian v Rangers match at the end of last season. The club firmly denies any breach of Scottish FA rules.
“We are surprised that a complaint has been raised at all, given the context of the comment and the Scottish FA’s prior treatment of similar incidents.
“Our response highlights that the Scottish FA’s own Key Match Incident Panel judged that the referee’s decision on the day was incorrect, with four out of five panel members agreeing that a goal should have been awarded to Rangers.
“That finding helps explain the nature of a spontaneous emotional comment, delivered during a highly charged moment and immediately challenged live on air.
“Our response also sets out serious concerns about the Scottish FA’s selective enforcement and inconsistency.
“We have highlighted multiple examples of similar or stronger remarks made elsewhere in Scottish football that have led to no charges or sanctions.
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“While we remain committed to maintaining high standards, we will continue to challenge any action we consider to be unfair or disproportionate.
“For many supporters, this charge only adds to the wider frustration surrounding regulatory oversight in recent months when there are more serious issues in the game to tackle, including improving officiating standards for the benefit of Scottish football.”
