James Tavernier Fires Back at Auston Trusty’s Comments Over Butland Incident: “Check the Rule Book Again”

James Tavernier Fires Back at Auston Trusty’s Comments Over Butland Incident: “Check the Rule Book Again”

Rangers captain James Tavernier has fired back at Aston Trusty following the heated aftermath of the controversial incident involving Jack Butland during the recent Celtic vs Rangers clash in the Scottish League Cup semi-final. The incident, which saw Trusty catch Butland in the face after the Rangers goalkeeper had already gathered the ball, has sparked widespread debate among fans, pundits, and former officials.

Trusty was shown only a yellow card for the challenge, a decision that left many—especially in the Rangers camp—questioning the consistency of officiating in Scottish football. The debate intensified when Trusty later doubled down in a post-match interview, insisting that the referee “got it right” by not issuing a red card.

“I went for the ball, there was no malice in it,” Trusty said. “It’s part of football. The referee handled it correctly—yellow card and move on.”

However, Tavernier, known for his calm yet assertive leadership, wasn’t having any of it. The Rangers skipper took to social media to respond to Trusty’s remarks, in a message that quickly went viral among supporters on both sides of the Glasgow divide.

“When it favors you, it’s right. When it doesn’t, then it’s wrong. Check the rule book again,” Tavernier wrote, adding a subtle reference to the official IFAB laws regarding dangerous play and serious foul play.

His response was met with a flood of reactions online, with Rangers fans praising their captain for “speaking the truth” and standing up for his teammate. Many argued that Trusty’s challenge endangered Butland’s safety, as replays clearly showed his boot making contact with the goalkeeper’s face after the ball had been secured.

Former referees and pundits have weighed in as well, with ex-Premier League official Mike Dean labeling it “a clear red card offense,” arguing that intent is irrelevant when excessive force or endangerment is involved. Dean’s comments further fueled the fire, intensifying scrutiny on the Scottish Football Association’s officiating standards.

For Tavernier, the issue goes beyond a single decision—it’s about fairness and consistency. Sources close to the Rangers camp suggested that the captain’s frustration reflects growing discontent among players regarding how key moments are handled in high-stakes matches.

“Tav doesn’t usually get drawn into online debates,” one insider reportedly said. “But this time, he felt it was necessary to defend his teammate and highlight what many players have been feeling—that the rules aren’t being applied consistently.”

While the SFA has not yet announced any formal review of the incident, the debate continues to dominate discussions across social media and sports networks. Trusty’s comments may have been intended to downplay the controversy, but Tavernier’s pointed reply has ensured the conversation is far from over.

As tensions between the two Glasgow giants remain high, this latest exchange between Tavernier and Trusty adds yet another chapter to the fierce rivalry—one that once again brings refereeing standards under the spotlight in Scottish football.