In a dramatic turn of events ahead of the highly anticipated match, Rangers’ interim manager Barry Ferguson has called on the Scottish FA to implement three major changes before his side faces Celtic at Parkhead. Ferguson, known for his fiery passion and deep connection to the Ibrox club, has made it clear that he expects swift action to ensure fairness and integrity in what could be a season-defining match.
Ferguson’s demands stem from concerns about officiating, transparency in decision-making, and the treatment of players in high-stakes matches. The former captain, who took charge after Philippe Clement’s departure, is determined to give his squad the best possible chance against their fiercest rivals.
The Three Key Changes Ferguson Wants
1. VAR Transparency and Referee Selection
Ferguson has urged the Scottish FA to ensure full transparency in the selection of match officials. The Rangers boss is reportedly frustrated with recent refereeing decisions and wants assurances that the best and most impartial officials are assigned to the match.
“There have been far too many inconsistencies this season,” Ferguson said in a press conference. “This game is too big for mistakes. We need clarity on who is in charge and how VAR will be used. The fans, players, and managers deserve to know that decisions will be made fairly.”
Ferguson is also pushing for the VAR audio to be made available post-match, similar to how it’s done in other top leagues. He believes this would increase accountability and remove any lingering doubts about controversial calls.
2. Officiating Transparency in Key Decisions
In addition to referee selection, Ferguson is calling for greater transparency in how major officiating decisions are made, particularly in crucial matches like this one. He believes that fans and clubs deserve clear explanations for key moments, such as penalty calls, red card incidents, and disallowed goals.
“There are too many times when we are left in the dark about why certain decisions are made,” Ferguson stated. “If referees and VAR officials can explain their reasoning after the match, it would eliminate a lot of the frustration that managers and supporters feel.”
Ferguson has suggested a system similar to that used in rugby, where officials provide real-time explanations or post-match breakdowns of controversial calls. He argues that increased transparency would help improve trust in the decision-making process.
3. Better Protection for Players in High-Intensity Matches
The final demand from the Rangers boss is for stricter officiating to protect players from dangerous tackles, particularly in emotionally charged matches like the Old Firm derby. Ferguson fears that lenient refereeing could lead to unnecessary injuries, affecting both teams’ title aspirations.
“There’s no doubt this fixture is played at a different intensity,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean reckless challenges should go unpunished. We need the officials to take control from the first whistle and protect the players.”
Ferguson referenced previous derby encounters where tempers flared and controversial tackles went unpunished. He is urging the Scottish FA to brief referees ahead of the match and remind them of the importance of enforcing the rules properly.
Celtic’s Response and the Scottish FA’s Stance
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has yet to officially respond to Ferguson’s demands, but sources inside the Parkhead camp suggest that he sees the calls as an attempt to influence the refereeing before the game.
Meanwhile, the Scottish FA has remained tight-lipped on whether any changes will be made. A spokesperson stated, “We continuously review officiating standards and match scheduling to ensure fairness across the league. We will not comment on individual requests from clubs or managers.”
A High-Stakes Clash Beckons
With tensions already running high between the two Glasgow giants, Ferguson’s demands have only added more fuel to the fire. The upcoming Old Firm derby was already shaping up to be a blockbuster encounter, but with off-the-pitch controversies now dominating the headlines, the drama is reaching new levels.
Whether the Scottish FA heeds Ferguson’s calls or not, one thing is certain—when Rangers and Celtic take the field, the stakes will be as high as ever, and every decision will be scrutinized by fans, pundits, and players alike.
