Willie Collum reveals Rangers summit with Philippe Clement as SFA ref chief puts 'never again' request in rear view

Willie Collum has revealed he has held "good discussions" with Philippe Clement after Rangers tried to have the former ref booted off their games last season.

Collum was in the eye of a VAR storm after Alistair Johnston wasn't punished with a penalty against him for a handball against the Light Blues at Parkhead last December. Collum was in the VAR studio at Clydesdale House and the visitors were left incensed at being denied a spot kick after the Canadian clearly handled in a tussle with Abdallah Sima. But an offside in the build up was spotted by the Sky Sports camera.

However, controversy reigned as Rangers claimed that the offside wasn't discussed by Collum and ref Nick Walsh, with broadcaster Sky Sports requesting the footage with lines drawn by the SFA to clarify the incident in the second half. It also emerged that Callum reviewed the penalty claim and decided that no obvious error had been made and recommended that play continue.

The fallout saw Rangers go into statement overdrive, demanding the VAR audio be released and requesting to the SFA that Collum no longer officiate any of their games. This was flat out rejected by the governing body. Rangers boss Philippe Clement said he was unaware that the club were set to make that request and insisted he had no problem with Collum's involvement in Rangers games going forward.

The ref returned to Ibrox to take charge of a Scottish Cup clash against Ayr United in February before retiring in the summer. He's now the head honcho when it comes to reffing in Scotland, and told BBC Scotland that Clement has brought good ideas forward following a recent meeting with top flight bosses.

"I have very good relationships with the Premiership clubs," said Collum. "I'll be quite