SPFL Referee Colin Steven Faces Ban Amidst Rangers vs. St Mirren Bias Allegations
Glasgow, Scotland – April 26, 2025 – In a dramatic development that has rocked Scottish football, the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has reportedly taken swift action by banning referee Colin Steven. This decision comes hot on the heels of intense scrutiny and accusations of bias stemming from his officiating of today’s highly anticipated match between Rangers and St Mirren at Ibrox Stadium.
The controversy ignited during the course of the game, with numerous decisions made by Steven drawing the ire of St Mirren players, coaching staff, and their supporters. Allegations of partiality towards the home side, Rangers, quickly spread across social media platforms and fan forums. While specific contentious incidents are being hotly debated – ranging from disputed fouls and penalty calls to perceived inconsistencies in applying the Laws of the Game – the sheer volume and nature of the complaints appear to have compelled the SPFL to launch an immediate investigation into Steven’s performance.
Sources within the SPFL have indicated that the swift imposition of a ban, the duration of which is yet to be officially announced, underscores the league’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the competition and ensuring fair play for all its member clubs. The SPFL’s regulations are clear on the expectation of impartiality from match officials, emphasizing that their decisions must be objective and based solely on the rules of the game. Any perceived deviation from these principles can lead to disciplinary measures.
While Colin Steven is a seasoned referee with experience in the Scottish top flight, this is not the first time his officiating has come under the microscope. Throughout his career, certain decisions have been subject to debate and analysis by pundits and fans. However, the immediate and decisive action taken by the SPFL in this instance suggests that the allegations of bias in the Rangers vs. St Mirren match were deemed particularly serious.
This unprecedented move by the SPFL to seemingly issue a ban mid-season highlights the immense pressure and scrutiny that match officials operate under in modern football. Every decision made is subject to intense analysis through multiple camera angles and public opinion, amplified by the immediacy of social media. This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role referees play in maintaining the fairness and credibility of the sport.
The reported ban on Steven will undoubtedly have significant implications for his immediate future officiating SPFL matches. It also sends a clear message to all referees operating within the league that impartiality is non-negotiable and that their performances will be held to the highest possible standards. The Scottish footballing community now awaits official confirmation from the SPFL regarding the length of the ban and the specific findings of their initial review. This developing situation is likely to fuel further discussions about the standard of refereeing in Scottish football and the mechanisms in place to ensure equitable treatment for all clubs. The swift action taken by the SPFL signals their intent to address these concerns promptly and decis
