Ex-FIFA ref speaks out on Rangers v Dundee United delay

Keith Hackett has explained why the 1-1 draw between Rangers and Dundee United was delayed by nearly an hour.

Saturday’s (23 November) Scottish Premiership contest at Ibrox had been due to kick off at 15:00GMT but instead got under way at 15:55GMT.

Dundee United were delayed getting to the stadium as they battled the elements brought on by Storm Bert right across Scotland.

Former FIFA official Hackett has explained to Ibrox News the protocol behind such a delay.

“When you are faced with poor conditions, the referee is in liaison with both teams, the stadium manager, the chief police officer and the league,” he said.

“The club secretary also is involved and maintains contact with the media. The referee will walk around the field to check the playing surface and also any areas where supporters are moving to ensure notice on steps, etc.

“Earlier inspections around the stadium to check pavements will have taken place. The referee, in the pre-match meeting with security, will have discussed fans and their travel arrangements

“The first port of call when I was officiating was the groundsman. He is fully aware of the pitch and how it reacts to weather and temperature.

“Liaison with the two managers is also important so they can arrange when to warm up. The delay will have been well communicated and the delay was obviously on safety grounds.”

Rangers cannot use kick-off delay as an excuse

Rangers did what they could to ensure Dundee United were prepared for the game, having offered the use of facilities inside the ground for the players to eat pre-match.

That was turned down and the situation did become rather farcical as kick off was first pushed back by 45 minutes, then staggered by a further 10 minutes.

Anyone inside Ibrox would have thought the Gers would come out all guns blazing against their likely lethargic opponents, but that was not the case.

The visitors started brightly and, after Rangers did grow into the match, they took the lead before half-time.

Philippe Clement’s side did strike back to earn a draw, but it is a result that effectively feels like a loss in the circumstances.

Delayed kick off or not, there can be absolutely no excuses from the Gers’ perspective. This was another shocking display and one that could cost Clement his job.

In other Rangers news, one Ibrox regular has been backed to succeed James Tavernier as Gers captain after his recent displays.

For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

The post Ex-FIFA ref speaks out on Rangers v Dundee United delay appeared first on Ibrox News.