Ally McCoist stood up in defense of Scottish referees officiating games between Rangers and Celtic amidst the recent uproar surrounding Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

The revered figure from Ibrox emphasized the necessity of trusting the integrity of officials, even in the face of potential affiliations with one of the Old Firm clubs in Scotland. McCoist stressed the importance of having faith in the referees, stating that querying their impartiality is unwarranted.

The controversy stemmed from Nottingham Forest’s claims of unfair decisions during their 2-0 loss to Everton, with VAR official Stuart Attwell allegedly supporting Luton Town and being accused of favoring Everton in the game. McCoist, speaking on talkSPORT, highlighted that while some officials in Scotland could have allegiances to Rangers or Celtic, it is essential not to doubt their dedication to fair officiating.

In the SPFL this season, referee decisions have been a topic of debate due to inconsistency, but McCoist argued that Forest’s complaints overshadow any uncertainties raised by the Scottish clubs. In light of controversies involving Rangers and Celtic, particularly referencing Willy Collum’s decisions in an Old Firm clash, McCoist pointed out that claims of bias towards either side are often dismissed as “conspiracy theories.”

Unlike in England where referees must disclose their club preferences and are restricted from officiating games involving their supported team, officials in Scotland are not obligated to reveal such information. McCoist reiterated the importance of respecting the professionalism and impartiality of Scottish referees, emphasizing the necessity of trusting their integrity without casting doubt on their ability to remain unbiased.