Ally McCoist Completely Dismantles Nick Walsh’s Explanation Over Controversial Celtic vs Rangers Officiating

Ally McCoist Completely Dismantles Nick Walsh’s Explanation Over Controversial Celtic vs Rangers Officiating

Referee Nick Walsh has once again found himself at the center of controversy after the Celtic vs Rangers Scottish Cup Semi-Final, which ended in a 3–1 extra-time victory for Celtic. However, the match’s talking points have stretched far beyond the scoreline, following Walsh’s alleged justification for his decisions during the heated encounter. Former Rangers striker and pundit Ally McCoist has now publicly taken apart the referee’s reasoning during a live broadcast—leaving no room for ambiguity in his critique.

The incident that has reignited debate across Scottish football came when Celtic defender Auston Trusty caught Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland in the face with his boot after the ball had already been secured. Many expected a straight red card for serious foul play, but Walsh chose to issue only a yellow, citing a lack of “excessive force” in the challenge. That justification, which has since circulated widely, has provoked outrage among Rangers fans and pundits alike.

McCoist, speaking on his morning show, did not mince his words. “I don’t care if there was ‘force’ or not,” he blasted. “If you put your studs into a goalkeeper’s face after the ball’s in his hands, that’s dangerous play every single day of the week. You don’t need to break someone’s jaw for it to be a red card—it’s about endangering an opponent. The referee’s explanation makes absolutely no sense in the context of the laws of the game.”

The former Rangers captain went on to accuse Walsh of “hiding behind terminology” to defend what he called a “horrendous error in judgment.” McCoist pointed to similar incidents in the Premier League and Europe where players were sent off for lesser contact. “If that happens anywhere else, the player walks,” he continued. “VAR’s there to protect the game, not to justify poor calls. The idea that it’s not a red because there wasn’t much force is just nonsense.”

Adding to the tension, Celtic fans have also voiced frustration—albeit from a different angle—over a penalty awarded to Rangers earlier in the match. Anthony Ralston was penalized for handball when the ball struck his arm as he fell, a decision many on the Celtic side felt was overly harsh. The dual controversies have deepened division among supporters, each camp convinced that officiating errors worked against their team.

McCoist, however, stayed focused on the Trusty-Butland incident, calling it “a moment that changes the whole game.” He also criticized the Scottish Football Association for its handling of officiating standards, saying, “We’ve got to stop pretending these things even out. This isn’t about bias—it’s about competence. You can’t have a referee at this level failing to apply the basic rules correctly.”

As debate rages on social media and sports talk shows, McCoist’s dismantling of Walsh’s explanation has only amplified calls for greater transparency in refereeing. What was intended as a clarifying statement from Walsh has instead inflamed the controversy—leaving Scottish football once again embroiled in accusations of inconsistency, confusion, and bias at the top level of officiating.