In the 2022/23 SPFL season, a peculiar statistic has emerged that has left fans and pundits alike scratching their heads.
Despite the introduction of the VAR system, which has seen a notable increase in penalties awarded, one club has managed to avoid conceding a single penalty throughout the entire season. That club is none other than The Rangers.
This anomaly is particularly striking given the high number of penalties conceded by other clubs in the league. For instance, Aberdeen topped the list with 13 penalties conceded, followed closely by Hibernian and St. Mirren, both with 12. Even Celtic, the league champions, conceded 8 penalties. Yet, The Rangers remained unscathed, not conceding a single penalty.
Considering opponents rarely manage to perforate Celtic’s penalty box, it’s surprising that 8 spot kicks went against us. Some of the crazy handball decisions during October and November were especially erroneous.
Several incidents throughout the season have raised eyebrows, where it appeared The Rangers should have conceded a penalty, but the referees, for reasons unknown, decided otherwise. This has led to questions about the consistency and fairness of officiating, especially in a season where VAR was supposed to increase accuracy in decision-making.
Critics may argue that this statistic is irrelevant, given that Celtic still emerged as champions and are on track for a treble. However, such dismissals overlook the broader implications of this anomaly. The argument that these things even themselves out over the season seems to fall flat in the face of such a stark disparity.
Football, at its core, is a game of fairness and equal opportunities. When one club appears to live a charmed life in a specific aspect of the game, it naturally raises concerns. It’s not about undermining Rangers’ performance, but about ensuring that the rules of the game are applied consistently and fairly to all teams.
The SPFL, referees, and VAR officials need to address this issue to maintain the integrity of the game. Fans, players, and clubs alike deserve transparency and consistency in decision-making. As we look forward to the next season, it’s crucial that this bizarre statistic remains an anomaly and not a trend.
| Club | Penalties Conceded (22/23 Season) |
|---|---|
| Aberdeen | 13 |
| Hibs | 12 |
| St.Mirren | 12 |
| Livingston | 11 |
| Celtic | 8 |
| Hearts | 7 |
| Kilmarnock | 7 |
| Ross County | 7 |
| Dundee Utd | 5 |
| Motherwell | 5 |
| St.Johnstone | 5 |
| Rangers | 0 |
It just goes to prove what we have said all along, SFA officials are cheating.
Rangers go to the top of the table when its for penalties awarded. But this is not the strange anomaly. What is strange is that they they are bottom for conceded and top for awarded … EVERY SEASON !
i agree with john referees are cheating the fans of all other teams
Should we be surprised at this
bad career move for a ref to give a pen against the establishment club