The decision to book Trusty by Nick Walsh was backed up by the off-field team during the powderkeg Hampden showdown
16:59, 14 Nov 2025Updated 17:06, 14 Nov 2025
Auston Trusty makes contact with Jack Butland’s head(Image: SNS Group)
Fans are now able to hear exactly why Nick Walsh chose to book Celtic defender Auston Trusty for a clash with Jack Butland in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final after the VAR audio was released
And Willie Collum insists that the SFA can “support” the call by the match officials despite a furious response from Rangers. This confirms the story Record Sport revealed earlier this week that Collum had backed the refereeing team.
The USA international was shown a yellow card for catching the Jack Butland late in the first half on the Premier Sports Cup semi-final, minutes after Danny Rohl’s side had been reduced to 10 men.
Thelo Aasgaard saw red for a dangerous challenge on Anthony Ralston as Rangers slumped to a 3-1 defeat after extra-time.
The SFA’s KMI verdict stated that Trusty should have been shown a red card for the flashpoint by ref Nick Walsh and his VAR team of Steven McLean and assistant Andrew Dallas during the Hampden clash.
Following the defeat, Rangers quickly issued a statement voicing their anger to the SFA and an official request for a meeting with the governing bodies’ bosses was submitted.
The VAR audio of has now been released to the public by Sky Sports VAR Review with Clancy instantly telling the VAR team he saw the “reckless’ challenge as a yellow card. McLean would confirm the swipe as “reckless” before allowing play to continue.
Head of refereeing operations Collum has now gone public with his defence, saying: “We can support the yellow card here in terms of the criteria in the laws of the game.
Head of Refereeing Operations at the SFA Willie Collum
“It’s important to say that there’s a subjective element to this decision. And we fully respect people’s opinions if they think that’s a red card.
“But here, the on-field communication is very clear from the referee.
“The referee comes to the conclusion that this is a reckless action, rather than anything more serious. The VAR look at the images, and they don’t see anything other than that.”
Collum then turned to the explanation for violent conduct, adding: “We don’t think this is a challenge for the ball.
“This falls under violent conduct. What the referee and the VAR team then have to consider: excessive force, brutality.
“The referee comes to the conclusion that there’s not enough force and not enough brutality for him, and the contact is negligible. So, that’s why a yellow card is reached for reckless.”
VAR audio in full
AVAR: Yellow card given on field. Jack Butland is holding his face.
Nick Walsh: I am going to card somebody.
VAR: Number 6, Celtic. Correct.
AVAR: Number 6, Celtic, yes.
VAR: Okay, play it through please.
Walsh: It’s a yellow card for me. Stevie, on-field decision is a yellow card for a reckless action by Trusty. (To a player) If he comes i’m going to yellow card him, away. James, James, I am going to explain it very clearly to you.
VAR: Reckless, confirmed, against white 6.
Walsh: For me, it’s about the level of force, it’s about the use of studs…
VAR: It’s the side of the foot.
Walsh: Thank you.
VAR: No ongoing checks.