Hibernian manager David Gray has called on the Scottish FA to introduce three major changes ahead of his side’s highly anticipated quarter-final clash against Celtic. The former Hibs captain, now in charge at Easter Road, has expressed serious concerns over officiating, scheduling, and VAR consistency—issues he believes could significantly impact the fairness of the upcoming fixture.
With Hibs set to face reigning champions Celtic in a crucial knockout tie, Gray’s demands have sparked widespread debate across Scottish football. His strong stance suggests growing frustration within the club regarding recent decisions and logistical challenges in domestic competitions.
Gray’s Three Key Demands
In his urgent appeal to the Scottish FA, Gray outlined the three areas he believes require immediate action before Hibs take on Celtic:
1. Improved Officiating Standards
Gray has openly criticized the standard of refereeing in Scotland this season, calling for more experienced and better-prepared officials to oversee high-stakes matches. His frustrations stem from several controversial decisions that have affected Hibs in recent games, with inconsistencies in decision-making becoming a recurring theme.
“We need referees who can handle the magnitude of these games properly,” Gray said. “Too many matches this season have been overshadowed by poor officiating, and we can’t afford that in a quarter-final.”
2. Fairer Fixture Scheduling
Another major issue Gray raised is the scheduling of the quarter-final, arguing that the timing puts Hibs at a disadvantage. The Edinburgh side has had a demanding run of fixtures leading up to the clash, while Celtic have had a slightly more favorable buildup.
“Fixture congestion is a huge problem in Scottish football, and we feel that the current scheduling doesn’t allow for a level playing field,” Gray stated. “All we want is the chance to prepare properly and compete on equal terms.”
The manager is pushing for the Scottish FA to reconsider their approach to fixture planning, especially for cup competitions where teams should have adequate recovery time.
3. VAR Transparency and Consistency
Perhaps Gray’s strongest demand concerns the use of VAR, which has been a topic of controversy in Scottish football since its introduction. The Hibs boss insists that the system needs greater transparency and consistency to prevent unfair outcomes in crucial games.
“We’ve seen VAR used in ways that leave teams scratching their heads,” he said. “If it’s going to be part of the game, then it has to be applied correctly. Clearer explanations, better communication, and more consistency—that’s all we’re asking for.”
Gray wants the Scottish FA to ensure that VAR decisions are explained more clearly to players, managers, and fans alike, reducing confusion and frustration.
Fan Reactions and Football Community Response
Gray’s demands have sparked mixed reactions across Scottish football. Hibs supporters have largely backed their manager, with many taking to social media to praise him for standing up against perceived injustices.
One Hibs fan tweeted: “David Gray is spot on! Officiating has been a shambles, and VAR needs to be sorted before this game. We need fairness, nothing more.”
On the other hand, some Celtic fans have dismissed Gray’s comments as pre-match mind games, suggesting he is trying to put pressure on officials ahead of the tie.
“Every manager does this before playing Celtic,” one fan posted. “They complain about referees, fixtures, VAR… it’s just an attempt to influence decisions before a big game.”
Meanwhile, former players and pundits have weighed in on the debate, with some agreeing that improvements are needed, while others believe Gray should focus more on his team’s performance rather than external factors.
Scottish FA Yet to Respond
As of now, the Scottish FA has not officially responded to Gray’s requests. However, reports suggest that discussions may take place behind the scenes regarding officiating appointments and VAR protocols for the upcoming quarter-final.
With the game fast approaching, all eyes will be on how the governing body reacts to Gray’s comments. Whether his demands lead to actual changes remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Hibs are heading into this clash with a manager determined to fight for fairness both on and off the pitch.
Hibs and Celtic are set to lock horns in what promises to be a thrilling quarter-final battle. With Gray publicly voicing his concerns, the pressure is now on the Scottish FA to address these issues before the crucial tie kicks off.
Will the governing body listen to Hibs’ complaints and implement any changes, or will Gray’s plea fall on deaf ears? One way or another, this showdown just got even more interesting.
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