Rangers slam SFA over VAR audio delay and reveal concerns over ‘motivations’ for Sky offside image after penalty snub

Rangers have slammed the SFA for refusing to release the VAR audio explaining the decision not to award handball against Alistair Johnston during Saturday's Old Firm derby.

And the Ibrox club are "concerned at the motivations" behind the governing body releasing a still image if Abdallah Sima's offside before that incident, despite that not being the reason for not penalising the Canadian. Former Scottish Premiership whistler Bobby Madden took to social media today to explain that if VAR Willie Collum HAD thought Johnston had handled the ball in the box, then the game would have restarted with a free-kick for offside.

But because play resumed with a Joe Hart goal kick, Madden said that meant Collum had reviewed the incident and concluded that no spot kick should have been awarded against the Celtic right back. That review of the incident has left Gers "astonished" as they demand answers from the Hampden beaks.

A Rangers spokesperson said: “Despite repeated Rangers FC requests, the Scottish FA have so far failed to disclose the VAR audio to allow the club to understand the process around the non-award of a penalty in the first half of yesterday’s Old Firm match. Rangers officials stand ready to meet in-person or virtually with the Scottish FA at any time to hear and discuss the audio.

“However, the Scottish FA are refusing to both share the VAR audio and meet until at least Wednesday, five days after the Old Firm match and after the next round of Scottish Premiership fixtures. This is clearly unacceptable and heightens Rangers’ concerns over the lack of transparency, for which the need is urgent.

“Rangers have learned no penalty was awarded as the VAR official, Willie Collum, concluded a handball offence had not occurred