Scottish FA Confirms Validity of Rangers' Goal in League Cup Clash Against St Johnstone

Controversial Goal in League Cup Match: St Johnstone vs Rangers

In a recent meeting held on Monday afternoon, the Scottish FA and St Johnstone addressed the contentious incident during the League Cup match where Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers scored a goal that became a topic of heated discussion.

Match Review and Key Decisions

During the match on Saturday, referee Matthew MacDermid did not blow his whistle as Dessers took his shot, which ultimately found the back of the net. The controversy arose when MacDermid later halted play for a foul committed by Dessers on St Johnstone defender Jack Sanders. However, after a VAR review, the goal was awarded to Rangers, leading to a 2-0 defeat for St Johnstone.

Perspectives from St Johnstone's Management

St Johnstone's manager, Craig Levein, expressed his discontent following the game. He noted that several players believed a foul was called, leading to confusion on the pitch. Levein stated:

"Everybody stopped because of one or two things. Either they've stopped because they heard the whistle or they've seen the referee giving us a free-kick."

Levein criticized the refereeing decisions and suggested that players stopped playing convinced that the goal would be ruled out due to a foul. He further expressed his frustration over what he perceives as repeated mistakes by officials, lamenting:

"I think the referee's made a mistake. That's what I think. And I'd love him to come out afterwards and just say, 'look I've got that one wrong'".

Rangers' Reaction to the Incident

On the other hand, Rangers' manager Philippe Clement defended the referee's decision, emphasizing the importance of VAR in making the correct call. He stated:

"I think this is then a good use of VAR from the referee... Taking more time can make the right decision."

Clement acknowledged the frustration from St Johnstone's camp but pointed out that the match could have been different if Rangers had converted their chances earlier.

Looking Ahead: The Scottish Premiership

This incident adds another layer to the already intense rivalry between Celtic and Rangers, both of whom have advanced to the League Cup quarter-finals. As the Scottish Premiership progresses, such officiating controversies will continue to be a focal point for discussion among fans and commentators alike.

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