Willie Collum in Rangers firing line as fans call for officials to get the boot while Celtic benefit from VAR wait – Hotline

Whistler Willie Collum was the centre of attention at Easter Road and Rangers fans reckon Scottish officials could do with a boot up the VARS.

The man in the middle sent off John Lundstram and Alfredo Morelos against Hibs while Robbie Neilson, David Martindale and just about everyone else had a whinge about decisions over the weekend. VAR is coming for Christmas but it’s not soon enough for some. Irwin Houston, Giffnock, said: “Willie Collum made Saturday’s game all about him.

“A totally pathetic and inept performance from the man in black. Spoiled an entertaining game. VAR can’t come soon enough and heaven forbid he isn’t running it.” Stuart Jackson, via email, said: “Just a few weeks into the season and the decision to introduce VAR in the middle of the campaign has come back and slapped the league in the face. Collum, Walsh and Clancy are the Three Stooges.

“The desperation that Collum searched in his pockets for a card showed how egotistical this guy really is. Walsh managed to award a penalty for the ball striking the chest of a Livi player and Kevin Clancy saw 11 fouls committed by Celtic with no cards shown and 12 for Hearts with nine cards.”

John Bruce, Glasgow, said: “The inconsistency of Scottish referees was shown to be alive and well at the weekend. Already we have Rangers involved in a poor refereeing decision that cost them points, while Celtic – like last season – already appear to be benefiting from decisions and seem to be immune to cards.”

Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, said: “Surely after this weekend's officiating in the SPFL matches shows VAR or full time officials are needed now. Officials should be downgraded when they get things so badly wrong, the only problem being is we'll have no officials