Rangers have officially contacted the SFA to demand an explanation over a penalty decision during their 4-2 shootout defeat on Sunday

Chief executive Patrick Stewart reportedly told the regulatory board that the club demand  explanations to why a second-half penalty appeal was denied, presumably in response to media attention and fan fury.

Instead of concentrating on their squad’s performance, the club has decided to emphasize that officiating calls cost them the title, even though Celtic was obviously the superior team that day.

The alleged complaint is related to a meeting that took place in the box in the second half. Rangers maintained that a penalty was appropriate for the event.

Referee John Beaton and VAR, however, were not persuaded and chose not to step in when the decision to award a free kick was made.

Rangers, though, appear committed to making this moment the game-changing event.

They seem to have forgotten their incapacity to manage the game and Celtic’s superior fitness and poise in the shootout in favor of criticizing the referees.

Rangers have previously asked the SFA for answers following high-profile losses, and this is probably not the first time they will do so.

Many have questioned whether the Ibrox team’s recent strategy is more about appeasing their fan base than bringing about significant change, given their history of contesting refereeing calls rather than facing their on-field problems.

Celtic, meanwhile, is still totally focused on their season goals.

With 119 major awards, the Hoops are now the most successful club in Scotland and have often demonstrated their capacity to cut through the clutter.

Brendan Rodgers’ team will welcome the chance to maintain pressure on their rivals both on and off the field as Rangers find themselves embroiled in yet another self-inflicted crisis.