Willie Collum is reportedly set to anger Rangers supporters by standing behind Nick Walsh and Andrew Dallas over their decision not to dismiss Auston Trusty during the Premier Sports Cup semi-final defeat to Celtic.
Former referee Des Roache has strongly criticised Collum, accusing the Head of Referee Operations of making “a mockery” of the Scottish FA after siding with the on-field referee and VAR operator despite the Key Match Incident (KMI) Panel confirming that Trusty should have been sent off for catching Jack Butland in the head with his boot before half-time.
According to the Daily Record, Collum agreed with Walsh and Dallas that the incident lacked intent or malice, meaning a yellow card was sufficient. The decision has not gone down well at Ibrox, where Collum’s relationship with the club and its fans is already strained.
Roache, speaking on Hotline Live, said the call “makes a mockery of the whole SFA setup,” arguing that VAR had enough evidence to issue a red card. He added that Collum’s refusal to acknowledge the KMI panel’s ruling “shows they’ll always back their own officials.”
Collum had previously removed Alan Muir from VAR duties after Old Firm-related controversies, but his latest stance is expected to further damage his reputation among Rangers fans.
Meanwhile, Rangers manager Danny Rohl declined to comment on the officiating after the defeat, telling BBC Sport Scotland that his focus remains on the team’s performance rather than refereeing debates.
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