Overview
- Sky Sports VAR Review published the on‑field and booth audio confirming referee Nick Walsh and the VAR team assessed Auston Trusty’s clash with Jack Butland as a reckless yellow-card offense.
- Head of refereeing Willie Collum said the incident was treated as violent conduct but that officials judged there was insufficient force or brutality to warrant a red card.
- An independent SFA Key Match Incident panel had earlier ruled by a 2–1 majority that Trusty should have been sent off.
- Rangers previously requested an explanation and, after Friday’s disclosure, sporting director Kevin Thelwell called the stance a dangerous precedent and said the club will pursue another meeting with further analysis.
- The flashpoint occurred shortly after Rangers were reduced to 10 men when Thelo Aasgaard was sent off, and Celtic won the Premier Sports Cup semi-final 3–1 after extra time.