RabiuControversy Erupts as Rangers Denied Penalty in Dramatic Draw Against LivingstonIn a thrilling Scottish Premiership encounter that ended in a 2-2 draw, Rangers were left fuming after a late foul on young star Mikey Moore was not penalized, sparking widespread debate over VAR’s role in the game. The incident occurred in stoppage time at Almondvale Stadium, where Livingston defender Cammy Kerr appeared to clip Moore as he burst into the box, potentially denying the visitors a chance to snatch all three points from a match they had clawed back from 2-0 down.Rangers manager Danny Rohl was vocal in his post-match comments, insisting the challenge was a “clear foul” and occurred on or inside the 18-yard line. “I can’t understand it,” Rohl said. “Mikey said to me, and you see on the replay—it’s a penalty. If not, it’s at least a red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity.” Pundits echoed his sentiments, with Celtic legend Chris Sutton labeling it a “shocker” on Sky Sports, arguing the contact began inside the box. Former Rangers player Andy Halliday added that while it might not have been a spot-kick, it warranted a free kick and possibly a sending-off, calling it a “definite red.”
The on-field referee, Ryan Lee, waved play on, prompting a lengthy VAR review by official David Dickinson. According to reports from Sky Sports, VAR acknowledged the foul but determined it occurred just outside the penalty area. Since the referee hadn’t initially called a foul, protocol prevented them from intervening to award a free kick, and it wasn’t deemed a denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity (DOGSO) due to covering defenders. This decision has intensified scrutiny on Scottish football’s VAR system, with many questioning why Lee wasn’t sent to the monitor for an on-field review.
Calls for transparency have grown, with fans and analysts demanding the Scottish Football Association (SFA) release the VAR audio to clarify the communication between officials. Similar to past controversial decisions—such as the release of audio for a Rangers handball incident against Livingston in October 2025—this could shed light on the reasoning behind the call. Ex-Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg weighed in, stating the foul started outside but continued inside, yet VAR’s hands were tied by protocol.
The draw leaves Rangers trailing in a tight title race with Celtic and Hearts, where dropped points could prove costly. Livingston, battling relegation, celebrated a resilient performance, with goals from their forwards putting them ahead before Emmanuel Fernandez and Moore’s late header salvaged a point for the Gers. As the dust settles, the Mikey Moore incident underscores ongoing issues with VAR consistency in the Premiership, prompting renewed discussions on improving officiating standards. With the SFA yet to respond to requests for the audio, the controversy shows no signs of abating, potentially influencing the season’s outcome.
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