The Scottish Premiership title race took another dramatic twist at the weekend, as Rangers edged past St Mirren with a narrow 1–0 victory — but the result has been overshadowed by fresh controversy surrounding VAR decisions that continue to divide opinion across Scottish football.
Despite securing three crucial points in Paisley, the aftermath of the match has been dominated by debate over two key incidents involving referee Steven MacLean and the VAR team. Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson has been among the most vocal critics, questioning both the consistency and transparency of officiating at a critical stage of the season.
A Win That Raised More Questions Than Answers
On paper, it was a routine away win. A solitary goal from Tuur Rommens ensured Rangers stayed within touching distance of league leaders Heart of Midlothian, while also keeping pace with fierce rivals Celtic.
But the reality on the pitch told a different story.
One of the most contentious moments came when Nicolas Raskin saw his header strike the arm of Alex Gogic inside the St Mirren penalty area. Rangers players immediately appealed for a penalty, but those appeals were waved away by MacLean. More significantly, VAR officials chose not to intervene, declining to send the referee to the monitor for a second look.
For many observers, that decision alone was enough to spark outrage.
The ‘Etch A Sketch’ Moment
If the penalty incident frustrated Rangers, what followed later in the match pushed tempers even further.
Thelo Aasgaard thought he had doubled his side’s lead with a well-taken finish, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside after a VAR review. It was the manner of the decision — specifically the drawing of the offside lines — that ignited the fiercest criticism.
Speaking on a podcast, Ferguson expressed disbelief at the process, questioning who exactly was responsible for determining the margins. His remarks were echoed by former teammate Ian Durrant, who jokingly compared the VAR graphics to an “Etch A Sketch” — a comment that has since gained traction among fans frustrated with what they perceive as inconsistent technology use.
The phrase has quickly become symbolic of a wider distrust in VAR, particularly when marginal decisions appear to lack clarity or consistency.
Ferguson’s Frustration Reflects Wider Concerns
Ferguson was careful to insist that his criticism was not simply driven by club allegiance. Instead, he pointed to what he sees as a broader issue within Scottish football — a lack of uniformity in how decisions are made and applied.
From his perspective, the handball incident involving Gogic met the threshold for a penalty, while the disallowed goal raised serious questions about the accuracy and reliability of VAR line-drawing.
His concern is not just about individual decisions, but their cumulative impact — especially in a title race that is shaping up to be one of the closest in recent memory.
Title Race on a Knife Edge
With just three points separating Rangers from Hearts at the top of the table, and Celtic also firmly in contention, every decision carries enormous weight. Goal difference could yet prove decisive, making moments like Aasgaard’s disallowed goal even more significant.
Ferguson himself acknowledged this, warning that such calls could ultimately influence where the title ends up.
In a season where margins are razor-thin, the difference between a goal given and a goal ruled out could be the difference between lifting the trophy and falling short.
VAR Under the Spotlight — Again
This latest controversy is far from an isolated incident. VAR has been a recurring talking point throughout the Scottish Premiership season, with players, managers, and pundits all voicing concerns at various points.
While the technology was introduced to reduce errors and increase fairness, its implementation continues to spark debate — particularly when decisions are perceived as subjective or inconsistently applied.
For Rangers, this match may ultimately be remembered as three points gained. But for many supporters, it will also be remembered as another example of VAR controversy overshadowing the football itself.
What Happens Next?
As the title race intensifies, scrutiny on officials and VAR is only likely to increase. Calls for greater transparency — including clearer explanations of decisions and improved communication — are growing louder.
For Rangers, the focus will remain on maintaining their challenge at the top of the table. But the sense of frustration expressed by Ferguson and others suggests that tensions will remain high, especially if similar incidents occur in the coming weeks.
One thing is certain: in a season where every goal matters, the debate around VAR is far from over — and it could yet play a decisive role in determining the destination of the Scottish Premiership title.