Ex refs 'raging' at Celtic and Rangers Hampden snub as SFA beaks accused of 'absolute nonsense' decision

Around 40 ex referees have reportedly had their hospitality tickets for the Scottish Cup Final pulled - and they're not happy about it.

Rangers and Celtic meet at the Hampden showpiece on May 25 as Philippe Clement and Brendan Rodgers go head to head in a blockbuster finale to the Scottish football season. It could be a Treble on the cards for Gers if they overcome the champions' lead in the Premiership while the Hoops will be hoping to win both remaining trophies and make it a double at the national stadium.

A host of former officials are typically invited to the final in recognition of their service but the Scottish Sun report that this year, that will not be the case. It's claimed that nearly 40 hospitality briefs have been withdrawn due to concerns over "security and segregation" with those snubbed said to include former top whistlers Willie Young and Kenny Clark.

It's reported that SFA head of refereeing Crawford Allan broke the news via an email with refs told to buy standard tickets and claim the cost back. But an unnamed official involved said: “Everyone’s raging, it’s absolute nonsense. There’s never been an issue with safety or security before, no matter who’s been in the final, so it feels like there’s more to it than the letter claims.

“We’re thinking they just don’t want us there. The SFA has lost the dressing room when it comes to how referees feel and now they’ve lost the observers as well.”