Philippe Clement backs Willie Collum as Rangers boss reveals he had nothing to do with furious club banning plea

Philippe Clement insists he has no problem with the SFA's decision to place referee Willie Collum in charge of tomorrow's Scottish Cup clash between Rangers and Ayr United.

Whistler Collum will make his return to officiate the Light Blues for the first time since the controversial Old Firm meeting with Celtic on December 30, where the Hoops claimed a narrow 2-1 win. Rangers were incensed Celtic fullback Alastair Johnston was not penalised for a handball inside the penalty box but it was later revealed that a spot-kick had not been awarded because Gers forward Abdullah Simah had been caught offside in the build-up.

As a result, furious Ibrox officials lodged a complaint to the SPFL, requesting Collum should not be allowed to referee any more of their fixtures moving forward. The club held a meeting with the governing body, but saw their appeal thrown out, with Collum returning to Ibrox to take control of the game against Scott Brown's Ayr United on Saturday evening.

Belgian boss Clement is adamant that he has no issues with the SFA's ruling and dismissed any notion of a referee being biased towards another team. And he revealed he had no part in the club’s plea to the SFA.

He said: "I am happy to be honest. When there is one moment that I would think a referee is not neutral I would directly quit my job. So I am happy we can leave the past behind us."

The ex Monaco gaffer admitted that he was not involved in any of the conversations around Collum's appointment for the cup tie but admitted that he would be looking to take a more active role in proceedings should a similar situation arise moving forward. He added: "No. That is something for in the club and we've talked about it. But that will happen in the future, yes."

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