Rangers furious over John Brown SFA probe as Ibrox chiefs vow to hit back if charged for officials tirade
The Ibrox club are raging at the prospect of their man being hauled up by the beaks
Rangers have vowed to defend any SFA charge of John Brown over his “corrupt” officials claim, insisting any action is “excessive, surprising and inconsistent".
The Ibrox nine-in-a-row legend was on club TV co-commentary duty at Easter Road on Saturday and came out with an astonishing blast at officials.
It was after Nico Raskin had been denied a goal when the ball appeared to cross the line and Brown said, "I would say it is corrupt", prompting commentator Tom Miller to reply: "Well, I'm not sure we can actually say that", before Brown continued: "Well, I am saying it.”
Brown is running the risk of facing action from the SFA, who believe that the comments warrant a punishment under article 29.2 of the governing bodies' rule book.
But in response to reports the SFA are reviewing Brown’s comments a Rangers spokesperson said: “In a season where Rangers have been on the receiving end of several major officiating errors, frustration is entirely understandable.
“The idea that spontaneous remarks could warrant disciplinary action is excessive, surprising and inconsistent.
“This development should not overshadow what was a clear mistake, evident to anyone who has seen the footage of the game.
“The focus should be on raising refereeing standards for the good of Scottish football.
“Should a charge follow, we will defend it, and question whether club channels across the league are being monitored and policed equally.”
Four years ago Hibs faced no formal action over controversial comments made by author Irvine Welsh on the club’s TV channel – but were warned about future conduct.
Welsh sparked outrage from Rangers supporters after he appeared on Hibs TV as a guest pundit for live coverage of a Premiership match between the clubs.
While reviewing an incident where Alfredo Morelos clashed with Hibs defender Ryan Porteous, the Trainspotting author said that Morelos should be “macheted into small pieces”. The SFA launched an investigation into the broadcast but, after reviewing the broadcast and taking into account that Hibernian had made an immediate apology, removed all footage and given an assurance about future guests, the governing body decided not to bring any formal disciplinary charges. A letter was sent to the Easter Road club warning them about future broadcasts.
And back in 2019, Celtic TV's co commentator Tom Boyd was the subject of scrutiny from the SFA following some disparaging remarks about referee John Beaton's following the whistler's official to award the Parkhead giants a penalty.
Boyd said at the time: "If he doesn't know that's a penalty he should not be in the middle of the park refereeing a football game. He'll probably be welcomed down his pub tonight again."
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