In a peculiar turn of events during the Rangers win against St Mirren, one of the most noteworthy incidents was the substitution of a ballboy for showing excessive partisanship.

The match, officiated by Nick Walsh, transpired without much fanfare, save for a contentious decision that placed Walsh in the spotlight.

Fortunately, the call in question did not involve a penalty or a red card against Rangers. Nevertheless, it was a verdict that could have had dire consequences for the title aspirations of the Ibrox squad.

The game unfolded amidst the backdrop of a season marred by subpar refereeing in Scotland, marked by a recurring theme of inconsistency. This inconsistency was mirrored in the erratic performances of some Rangers players.

Adding to the quagmire are instances where referees seem to interpret situations that defy reality.

As the clock wound down with Rangers leading 2-1 and seeking to secure their advantage, a long ball was lofted over John Souttar and Leon Balogun. In a swift move, Jack Butland rushed out to clear the ball, only to collide with St Mirren forward Toyosi Olusanya.

Contrary to the views of Nick Walsh, Butland’s challenge appeared cleanly won, illustrating fundamental principles of physics at play—the clash of mass and momentum, with Butland evidently in possession of both.

However, Walsh not only awarded a belated foul but also brandished a yellow card to Butland, sparking criticism from Neil McCann, who lambasted the decision on BBC Sportsound.

Following the match, St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson dismissed suggestions of a red card and even questioned the legitimacy of the foul itself, vehemently supporting Butland.

The potential ramifications of Walsh’s decision loomed large, with the possibility of St Mirren capitalizing on a free-kick or Butland facing suspension casting a shadow over the otherwise uneventful ninety minutes.

The incident underscored a need for greater consistency and precision in refereeing decisions in Scottish football—a pressing issue that continues to raise eyebrows and fuel debate among fans and pundits alike.