Ally McCoist makes Celtic and Rangers referees claim and names scenario that can't be allowed

Ally McCoist says having referees with an allegiance to Celtic or Rangers is unavoidable.

It's something that has often been a bone of contention among both supports, and indeed that of the other Scottish clubs, with this official or that accused of being a fan of one club or another and allowing it to cloud their judgement when making big decisions. It's amplified in Old Firm derbies.

McCoist made reference to it on a talkSPORT discussion about the controversy surrounding yesterday's Premier League clash between Everton and Nottingham Forest. Forest felt they were denied three stonewall penalties as they fell to a defeat and have raised concerns over VAR Stuart Atwell being a fan of Luton, who are in a relegation battle with them.

The Gers legend says these situations can be unavoidable, particularly up here where many west coast referees are likely yo have some sort of connection to one of the big two.

McCoist told talkSPORT: “By the way, it’s happened. It’s happens.

“If we don’t think for a minute that some of the officials that officiate in Rangers and Celtic games maybe as a kid or a family member who has an allegiance to Celtic or Rangers, we’re kidding ourselves on.

“But we can’t afford to challenge their integrity.”