“It’s VAR We Fear, Not Celtic”: Barry Ferguson Erupts at ‘Bungling’ Officials Before Old Firm Showdown

Rangers legend Barry Ferguson has unleashed a scathing attack on Scottish refereeing and VAR, warning that officiating errors — not Celtic — are now the biggest threat to his former club in the Old Firm title race.
The Ibrox icon says confidence in the system has collapsed among Rangers supporters and players alike, insisting repeated controversial decisions in clashes with Celtic FC have created a damaging sense of injustice ahead of the season’s defining derby.
⚖️ Ferguson’s explosive VAR fear
Ferguson’s core concern is stark: the biggest games in Scottish football risk being decided by officials rather than football.
He pointed to a pattern Rangers figures believe has emerged in recent Old Firm meetings:
Penalty appeals dismissed after VAR checks
Physical incidents not upgraded on review
Key moments interpreted inconsistently
According to Ferguson, these flashpoints have left Rangers fearing “what decision comes next” whenever VAR intervenes in matches against Celtic.
🗣️ “Bungling officials” anger at boiling point
The former captain’s rant reflects growing fury from Ibrox voices who believe refereeing standards have deteriorated despite VAR’s introduction.
Rangers have previously demanded explanations from the SFA after contentious derby calls, while ex-players and pundits have accused officials of inconsistency and poor communication.
For Ferguson, the issue is no longer individual mistakes — but trust in the system itself.
“Supporters should be talking about football — not referees and VAR,” he stressed, warning the narrative around Old Firm clashes has shifted dangerously.
🏟️ Why this Old Firm feels different
The timing of Ferguson’s outburst is significant.
With Rangers and Celtic locked in another tight Premiership battle, the next derby could carry decisive title implications. That raises the stakes on every major call — and magnifies scrutiny on officials and VAR.
At Ibrox, there is a growing fear that another controversial moment could overshadow the match and potentially swing the championship race.