Latest news with #NickWalsh
Daily Record
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Rangers eviscerate SFA over 'lack of consistency' as John Brown commentary claim lands financial penalty
The comments from the Ibrox icon were made on air during the end of season draw with Hibs Raging Rangers chiefs have warned the SFA the decision to fine the club over John Brown 's Easter Road outburst threatens the credibility of the Hampden rulebook. The Ibrox outfit have been fined £3000 for comments made by the Gers legend as he co-commented for the club's official TV channel during last month's Premiership draw with Hibs. The retired defender lashed out at the decision by referee Nick Walsh and his VAR assistants not to award Nico Raskin 's Leith 'ghost goal', branding the incident 'corrupt'. That was enough for the SFA to charge Rangers with a breach of Disciplinary Rule 38, which prohibits clubs publishing material that 'indicates bias or incompetence on the part of such match official'. But furious Ibrox bosses have been left stunned after the charge was upheld by an SFA judicial panel. And they are now demanding an explanation of why other clubs have not been punished for a string of similar incidents. As part of their defence, the Light Blues lawyers provided numerous examples of rival commentary teams stepping out of line while broadcasting on live games. But that wasn't enough to get Gers off the hook. Now the Ibrox outfit have released a stinging statement which says: 'Rangers FC today has been found by a Scottish FA judicial panel to have been in breach of Disciplinary Rule 38, following a remark made during commentary of the Hibernian v Rangers game in May. The club has been fined £3,000. 'We feel it is necessary to highlight the broader concerns this outcome raises and the wider implications this has for clarity and confidence in their regulatory processes. 'John Brown spoke emotionally and spontaneously as someone who cares deeply about the club. His words were not scripted, and they were not an official club comment. 'The ruling however sets a precedent where even spontaneous, corrected remarks made during live coverage of a clear refereeing error are enough to trigger a formal sanction. "That is neither proportionate nor consistent, especially when other clubs have made stronger comments on official platforms without consequence. 'As part of our defence today, we flagged numerous examples of similar incidents on club channels. "These incidents raise legitimate questions about Scottish FA rules and how consistently they are enforced. To our knowledge, none of these cases appear to have resulted in charges against the respective clubs. 'The lack of consistency with the Scottish FA's policing of similar incidents leaves more questions than answers. 'That is why we will be contacting the Scottish FA chief executive and president to seek clarity on what policies and processes the Compliance Officer has in place, if any, to ensure a consistent and proportionate approach to enforcement and the equal treatment of member clubs. 'We shall also be asking the Scottish FA whether they accept that a rule that cannot be applied consistently across all clubs and all platforms risks losing credibility as a fair and enforceable regulation. 'Our aim here is to understand the rationale behind the differing outcomes. A lack of consistency, or the perception of it, undermines confidence in the disciplinary process and exposes all member clubs to uncertainty about what is and is not allowed. 'There remains no clear guidance on how clubs are expected to manage live broadcast content, though we note the panel acknowledged that the club's internal editorial guidelines may serve as a constructive step for others going forward. 'To be clear, we referenced these other examples not to suggest they should have resulted in sanctions, but to highlight the clear inconsistency in how similar incidents have been handled. 'Club media channels are, by nature, passionate and partisan. Informal, tongue-in-cheek and emotional commentary comes with the territory, especially in live settings. 'But, in choosing to pursue this case, the Scottish FA has opened the door to closer scrutiny of how similar situations are handled going forward. If this is now the standard, they will be watched closely to ensure it is applied across the board, consistently, without exception and without favour.' Gers were served a notice of complaint from the Hampden hierarchy after Brown's lashed out with his on-air tirade. Raskin's effort in the 2-2 last day n draw clearly looked over the line but referee Walsh waved play on. Hibs went up the pitch and scored, prompting Rangers TV co-commentator Brown to question the integrity of the decision. When offered the chance to clarify the comments, Brown stood by them. The SFA's own KMI panel has since agreed that Raskin's goal should have stood in Edinburgh, despite referee chief Willie Collum backing Walsh's call not to award it.
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Rockhampton trainer Nick Walsh banned by stewards for anabolic steroid positive swabs
A young Queensland trainer renowned for boasting a sensational winning strike has been disqualified for 12 months by racing stewards after an anabolic steroid was detected in one of his horses. Rockhampton trainer Nick Walsh was slapped with a trio of 12 month bans relating to the anabolic steroid Stanozolol being detected twice in out of competition testing and once in post race testing. However stewards ordered that the disqualifications be served concurrently. It is a landmark case, given that Racenet understands it is the first time Stanozolol has been detected in a Queensland thoroughbred racehorse since a total ban on anabolic steroids in racehorses was introduced in 2014. 'QRIC is dedicated to enforcing a zero-tolerance policy towards the use of prohibited substances,' Queensland Racing Integrity Commission deputy commissioner Kim Kelly told Racenet. 'Detecting, responding and deterring non-compliance with the Rules of Racing is a key function of QRIC. 'QRIC will continue to utilise all available measures to ensure participants comply with the Rules. 'This includes 'anywhere, anytime' sampling regime which necessarily includes unannounced and unpredictable out of competition sampling which compliments robust race meeting sampling.' The stewards' inquiry heard that Stanozolol was detected in samples collected from Sailor's Rum in two out of competition samples and also a post-race blood sample when Sailor's Rum competed in a 1200m race at Rockhampton on December 19 last year. Sailor's Rum finished fourth that day after being strongly backed from $3 to $2.10. Walsh, who once represented Australia in rodeo, has trained 155 career winners at the outstanding strike rate of 32 per cent. He has always enjoyed a strong strike-rate but it was off the charts in the 2022/23 season when Walsh-trained horses won at a strike rate of 42.7 per cent. Walsh's best horse has been sprinter Hell, which won seven races for Walsh including three in Brisbane since transferring from the Tony and Calvin McEvoy stable in Victoria. Following Walsh's disqualification, Hell was transferred to fellow Rockhampton trainer Tom Smith. The stewards' report relating to Walsh's disqualification notes: 'Stewards considered a significant amount of documentation, inclusive of, but not limited to, expert scientific evidence, expert veterinary evidence, six months of veterinary records of horses trained by Walsh, six months of personal and business banking account records of Walsh and analysis of mobile phone data from Walsh's personal mobile device.' Walsh pleaded guilty to all three of the racing charges he was issued with by stewards. In relation to Stanozolol, the stewards' report noted: * The evidence failed to identify how the substance, Stanozolol, came to be in Sailor's Rum's system at the relevant times * The nature of the substance, Stanozolol, which is well known to be performance enhancing * That there is no legitimate use in thoroughbred racing for Stanozolol Stewards gave the managing owner of Sailor's Rum, Brandon Diplock, an opportunity 'to attend the original stewards inquiry or alternately make written submissions in relation to this matter, on behalf of the ownership group, prior to any determinations being made. 'Mr Diplock did not request to attend in person and did not make any submissions for consideration,' stewards noted, before disqualifying Sailor's Rum from the race on December 19. It is understood Walsh intends to lodge an appeal on the grounds that the penalty was too severe. Meanwhile, stewards considered the provisions of Australian Racing Rule 248 which relates to 'administration of anabolic androgenic steroids and/or selective androgen receptor modulators.' 'In assessing the rule and given that the sample collected from Sailor's Rum on 20 December 2024, had an anabolic androgenic steroid detected in it, the provisions of AR248 (4)(a) and (b) were invoked and Sailor's Rum is not permitted to start in any race, official trial or jump-out for a 12-month period commencing 20 December 2024, until receipt of an Androgenic Clearing Certificate,' the stewards' report reads.
The National
11-06-2025
- Sport
- The National
SFA's 'view' on goal-line technology after contentious Rangers moment
The Belgian midfielder thought he had put his side two in front at Easter Road on the final day of the Scottish Premiership season, although referee Nick Walsh didn't give a goal. Read more: After a VAR review, it was found that there was no conclusive evidence that proved the ball was over the line. "The camera wouldn't eradicate the issue of the Hibs v Rangers game," said Mulraney [SunSport]. "It could still be blocked by a player on the line, so it needs to be goal-line technology because it can still be blocked. "The SFA view on that is really simple. If the league wants it, we'll bring it in. It was on the agenda at the last meeting of the Professional Game Board. 'I chair that and we're saying, 'No problem whatsoever. You want goal-line technology, we'll support it'. "But there are games in Scotland that use goal-line technology — ours! You play in the Scottish Cup semi-finals and final, you've got goal-line technology. We pay for it. "For the Premiership to have goal-line technology would be around £1 million a year amongst the clubs, so it would be the thick end of £100,000 each. 'I'm not saying that's right or wrong, it's just the reality. "If you're club X, would you rather invest that £100,000 in a new facility for disabled fans, a new bit in the car park, fix the roof or whatever else? "In general terms, I think our referees are doing better than OK, I really do. They make mistakes but if you sit ten referees down, they don't all agree on an incident. "I listen to commentators on TV saying, 'How could he possibly have done that?'. You think, 'Well, because it's perfectly reasonable for him to have done it'. "My responsibility, to a large extent, is to protect my refs. Clubs look after the players. Who's looking after our referees? Who's making sure we have the best? "I think they're doing a good job and I'm not saying that because I'm protecting my refs. I genuinely believe they do a good job and I think Willie's doing a good job. "I think we're comparable to any other country in Europe."
The Courier
31-05-2025
- Sport
- The Courier
Dundee and VAR: Willie Collum insists ref was right on Ross County penalty that relegated St Johnstone
Willie Collum says Nick Walsh was right to award the penalty kick that denied Dundee a crucial victory over Ross County and relegated St Johnstone. Heading into stoppage time in the penultimate fixture of the season, the Dark Blues were leading 1-0 at Dens Park. A win would see the Dee safe from relegation and would also give Saints the opportunity to overtake the Staggies on the final day. However, ref Nick Walsh controversially punished Antonio Portales for handball and Ronan Hale equalised from the spot. The decision was branded 'an absolute disgrace'. However, head of refereeing Collum has backed his official. In the monthly VAR Review from the SFA on YouTube, audio from the incident has been released. After the ball brushed Portales's arm, VAR Andrew Dallas said: 'I need to check that.' Referee Nick Walsh: 'Penalty. Handball. I think the arm is above shoulder height.' VAR: 'Slight touch on his head and then it hits off the hand. VAR: 'Nick, it's Andrew. We're just going to check the APP (attacking phase of play). Just to tell you his team-mate's headed it and [Portales] has his back to him. 'But the arm is above the head, above shoulder height. It's close proximity but it does hit his hand and it's above shoulder height. 'There's no impact from the attacker on the defender. 'Confirming on-field decision of penalty kick. Check complete.' Willie Collum defended the decision but admitted interpretation of the handball law may change for next season. He said: 'We have listened to a lot of the perception of the decision. I won't ever just defend decisions in this show. 'I'll be open and transparent. 'In terms of the laws of the game, this is a correct interpretation because the arm is far too high above the head. 'The referee is right in his judgement to award the penalty kick. 'There is nothing in the law to say it should be ruled out. It says that anybody with an arm high in the air runs the risk of being punished. 'The referee was very clear, the VAR discuss the situation so when that is clarified there is no reason to bring the referee to the monitor here. 'People have said that but why? 'In terms of law this season, that is a correct interpretation. 'I would say we think we are in a better place in terms of handball. We looked at a lot of clips from last season to learn. This is a clip we need to look at again. 'We have a lot of discussion post-season with this kind of incident. 'There's a possibility next season [it isn't given]. We will listen to people's views. There are a lot of ifs and buts but in terms of law nobody can say that isn't given.' The VAR Review also covered two other controversial decisions that went against the Dark Blues. Collum admitted he was 'disappointed' in VAR's process to review a push by Kilmarnock's Kyle Vassell on Simon Murray not because it was a foul but because it was outside the area. Another involving Antonio Portales proved far more controversial. The Mexican had already volleyed in one beauty against Motherwell and struck another into the top corner to put Dundee 2-0 up. However, offside was given against Clark Robertson in the build-up, a decision then-Dee boss Tony Docherty blasted as a 'disgrace'. Again Collum backed the decision but admitted the referee should have been brought to the monitor to review it personally. He said: '[Clark Robertson] comes out to challenge the Motherwell player and moves his leg to challenge. Making that challenging motion, that was enough for the VAR team to say this was impact. 'We shared this clip far and wide. The KMI panel looked at it in detail, we looked at it with the referees. 'It was probably 60-40 in favour of offside. That means we want to review it, look at it in the close season with the clubs, players and coaches as well as the match officials to think about our direction of travel moving forward. 'We are content with the decision. Where we are not content is the process. Categorically, the referee should have been brought to the monitor. 'This is not a factual decision. It is factual that the player is offside, but subjective whether he impacts the move. 'That should be left to the on-field match official.'
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rangers 'should have been awarded goal against Hibs'
Rangers should have had a goal awarded as they concluded the Scottish Premiership season with a 2-2 draw away to Hibernian, the Scottish FA's key match incident panel has ruled. Hibs immediately scored at the other end to equalise through Kieran Bowie after referee Nick Walsh allowed play to continue after Nico Raskin's effort was cleared by Rocky Bushiri, with Rangers claiming it had crossed the goalline. Advertisement Rangers have demanded the introduction of goal-line technology as a result of the controversial 17 May incident. The KMI panel has now determined by a majority of four to one that the midfielder's effort should have stood. They ruled that the video assistant referee (VAR) should have intervened and recommended a goal. However, one member of the panel highlighted that they did not think there was conclusive evidence that the ball had crossed the line and a VAR intervention should not take place. Meanwhile, the panel ruled that Ross County should not have been awarded a stoppage-time penalty in their 14 May draw away to Dundee. Advertisement Ronan Hale equalised and the result meant the battle between the two sides to avoid second bottom spot and a play-off to remain in the Premiership went to the final day of the season. Home defender Antonio Portales was penalised for a handball, but the KMI panel decided by a majority of four to one that VAR should have intervened to recommend to referee Walsh that he should cancel the award. However, one member of the panel highlighted that they thought it was a punishable handball and the penalty award was correct. Despite the reprieve at Dens Park, County finished second bottom and go into Monday's second leg at home to Championship runners-up Livingston with the tie level at 1-1.
