Rangers’ VAR appointment under fire after ‘terrible’ refereeing call

Former top-flight referee Madden has questioned the scheduling of officials

The National

Published: Monday, 19 October 2026 at 8:14 AM

Key Things to Know

Bobby Madden questioned official appointments after Matthew MacDermid handled VAR for Rangers following a controversial penalty decision.
MacDermid awarded Partick Thistle a disputed decisive penalty against Ayr United before overseeing Rangers' 2-2 draw with Dundee.
MacDermid had also refereed a UEFA Youth League match in the Faroe Islands two days before the Ayr game.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former referee Bobby Madden has questioned officiating appointments after referee Matthew MacDermid served on VAR duty for Rangers just 24 hours after a major penalty controversy. MacDermid awarded a disputed match-winning penalty to Partick Thistle against Ayr United before overseeing VAR during Rangers' 2-2 draw with Dundee the following evening.

Speaking on the So Near, Yet So VAR podcast, Madden highlighted MacDermid's demanding schedule, which included officiating a UEFA Youth League match in the Faroe Islands two days prior. Former Hearts player Ryan Stevenson had previously called for MacDermid's removal from the Rangers fixture.

Read the full article on The National

Rangers’ VAR appointment under fire after ‘terrible’ refereeing call

More Scottish Premiership News

Never Miss a Sports Update