Willie Collum adamant over contentious Barron incident in Rangers win last month

Willie Collum is certain the referee and VAR officials made the right decision not to send off Connor Barron for Rangers in the 2-1 win against St Mirren.

The 22-year-old was subject to an extensive VAR check at Ibrox on 27 October for a high boot against Toyosi Olusanya, but the on-field decision was upheld and no further action was deemed necessary.

However, the decision has split opinion as many believe Barron should have received his marching orders for the infringement, though Collum appeared on The VAR Review [22 November, 15:15] to set the record straight.

He said: “We discussed this clip at great length in the refereeing group. What we’re clear on is that 100 per cent, this is not serious foul play. This is not a red card for serious foul play.

“It doesn’t meet the criteria. What I like about this is the referee is clear in his communication on field. For him there is no contact or potentially very minimal contact and certainly no way in his studs.

“The VAR checked different angles, and they can confirm that view. For us, it’s hard to identify if there’s a slight bit of contact – but if there is a slight bit of contact, it’s with the top of the boot.

“This does not meet the criteria, it’s not excessive force, it’s not brutality, and for us, the tackle does not endanger the safety of an opponent.

“We’re not at sync with other countries, either. I often used the clips to consult my colleagues abroad and heads of refereeing in other countries, and nobody thinks this is a red card.”

Connor Barron set for Rangers return to face Dundee United

While the neutrals can squabble over whether Barron deserved retrospective punishment for the incident against St Mirren, the midfielder has received the highest recommendation in Collum’s verdict.

The midfielder has been an essential starter for Philippe Clement since he arrived from Aberdeen in the summer, and he will return from international duty unscathed having not played a single minute for Scotland in the UEFA Nations League.

Barron has been among the few standout performers for the Gers amid the recent chaos. He has retained his undisputed role in midfield, while Nico Raskin and Mohammed Diomande fight to partner him in the midfield pivot.

Clement is facing another must-win clash at Ibrox after the international break when his side host Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership.

The Belgian will rely on Barron to keep the boss out of the firing line for at least another week.

Regardless, Barron must focus on eradicating the errors from his game. The incident against St Mirren could have easily gone against the midfielder on another day, and Rangers cannot afford to lose any more ground amid the nine-point gap to Celtic and Aberdeen at the SPFL summit.

In other Rangers news, Philippe Clement’s sack condition has been revealed as the Gers prepare to make a decision.

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