Rangers Legend David Edgar Blasts SFA’s ‘Outrageous’ £3,000 Fine Over John Brown’s Emotional Outburst
Heart and Hand, led by podcast host David Edgar, has fiercely criticized the Scottish Football Association (SFA) for what they call an “absolutely outrageous” decision to fine Rangers £3,000. The penalty stems from a breach of Disciplinary Rule 38, triggered by an emotional comment made by former player John “Bomber” Brown during commentary on Rangers TV. Brown labeled a refereeing call “corrupt” in a May match against Hibernian, prompting the SFA’s action.
Rangers argue the fine is unjust and inconsistent, pointing to similar or more severe remarks from other clubs’ official channels that have gone unpunished. The club swiftly clarified that Brown’s spontaneous remark, made in the heat of the moment, did not reflect Rangers’ official position. Despite this, the SFA imposed the sanction, which Edgar and the club view as a glaring example of selective enforcement.
On X, Edgar vented his frustration, posting, “Absolutely disgraceful decision. RTV better make sure Bomber does first game of season.” His call for Brown to commentate the opening match of the next season reflects defiance and support for the fan-favorite ex-player. Rangers, meanwhile, are preparing to challenge the SFA’s leadership, demanding clarity and fairness in how disciplinary rules are applied. They argue that penalizing unscripted, emotional commentary sets a dangerous precedent, exposing all clubs to arbitrary punishments without transparent guidelines.
The club’s leadership has emphasized the need for consistent, equitable policies to restore trust in the SFA’s disciplinary process. They’ve presented evidence of comparable incidents involving other teams that faced no repercussions, underscoring what they see as a lack of impartiality. Rangers warn that such selective rulings erode confidence in the governing body and create uncertainty for clubs managing live broadcasts.
This controversy has ignited debate among fans and pundits, with many rallying behind Rangers’ push for accountability. The fine, though modest, symbolizes a broader issue: the SFA’s apparent failure to apply rules uniformly. As Rangers seek answers, the saga highlights tensions between the club and the governing body, fueling calls for reform to ensure fairness across Scottish football.