Another World Record? Tavpen leads the way
Football Soccer - Rangers v Dumbarton - Ladbrokes Scottish Championship - Ibrox Stadium - 5/4/16 Rangers' James Tavernier celebrates after being promoted to the Scottish Premiership Action Images via Reuters / Russell Cheyne Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
With the run of games without conceding a penalty in the SPFL now standing at 66 it is not just as the defensive end of the park that Scottish referees are indulging.
Over a period of more than three years, covering four managers, five if you include Steve Davis, the Ibrox club have the best penalty differential in Europe.
Big hitters like Paris Saint Germain, Manchester City, Bayern Munch, Liverpool and Real Madrid aren’t at the races when it comes to slotting them away and not conceding at the other end.
With just one title won in that time, the freaky Behind Closed Doors effort masterminded by Micky Beale, it is a remarkable achievement for Crawford Allan and his hard working team at the SFA.
The Rangers lead the way in penalty differentials across the European big leagues since August 2020.
Congratulations to the @ScottishFA & @SPFL on their best efforts. Is it a world record?
Stats by @Transfermarkt pic.twitter.com/BTefMjck7z
— RhebelRhebel (@RhebelRhebel) November 6, 2023
With two titles won and an eight point advantage in the race for another Celtic are only 12 to the good, less than half the amount of their city rivals.
Season on season the Ibrox club have a penalty differential of plus five from seasons where they have lost the title by four points and seven points.
Over the last 16 years Willie Collum is the only SFA referee to be invited to a major Championship, after handling two group stage matches he was in the first batch of referees sent home.