Ex official tells Rangers two ways they can help make ref changes in Scotland ahead of Willie Collum showdown
Rangers are set to push for talks on refereeing within Scottish football.
A former Premier League referee has urged Rangers to put two topics firmly at the top of their official summit agenda.
The Ibrox side are claimed to be spearheading talks with head of referees Willie Collum next week, alongside other Premiership clubs, over standard of officiating. VAR and whistlers have been firmly under the microscope this season with several managers airing frustrations with certain decisions or with VAR’s capability with current technology available.
Mark Clattenburg feels VAR has to be one of the things discussed but the second thing would be full-time referees. Officials have other jobs on top of their matchday duties but the former Premier League man reckons making it their sole priority in terms of work would come with major benefits.
What could make referees in Scottish football better?
Clattenburg told GRV Media: “It’s an interesting move by Rangers to lobby on behalf of the Premiership clubs in Scotland to have a meeting to discuss refereeing matters. Of course, the number one subject will be the standard of refereeing and the use of VAR, which I hope that the clubs can give a positive response on how to improve the system.
“One of the other areas that they should discuss is to look at funding the introduction of full-time and professional refereeing, as at the moment, most referees have a primary employment which does not allow referees to be able to dedicate all of their time into refereeing. This meeting is a positive step in improving refereeing and making sure that refereeing changes can be implemented for the new season.”
Reporting from the Herald stated: “Rangers will host a meeting of Premiership clubs in Glasgow on April 23 to discuss concerns over the standard of refereeing. The Ibrox club recently informed their Fan Advisory Board of discussions with head of referees Willie Collum over a desire for ‘structural improvements’ to help officials. The issue has also been raised at SPFL board level.
Why are Rangers holding a meeting on referees?
“While it’s unclear how many clubs have agreed to attend the get together scheduled for a week on Thursday Rangers say they have received positive interest and feedback and reiterated the stance that they plan to seek long term solutions to the dissatisfaction over refereeing standards rather than focus on individual incidents or complaints.
“The Scottish FA will not attend the meeting. Should the clubs find consensus on a way forward, however, they are likely to take their findings to the governing body for further talks.”
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