Rangers sent warning by ex-refs chief as Findlay Curtis accused of cheating in Scotland vs Curacao
Rangers and Danny Rohl must be careful if Findlay Curtis is introduced into the first team at Ibrox for the 2026-27 campaign.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the 19-year-old winger should have been cautioned for diving in Scotland’s latest friendly.
Curtis, who spent the second half of the season on loan at Kilmarnock, was subbed on after just 42 minutes on Saturday, 30 May, and within three minutes, he had already found the back of the net.
Then, in the 80th minute, the Rangers gem went down under pressure from Jurien Gaari of Curacao, but replays showed very minimal contact, if any, between the two inside the penalty area.
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VISIT THE RANGERS MATCH HUBFindlay Curtis deserved to be cautioned for an act of simulation
There were whispers on commentary of a potential dive from the Gers talent, but even with VAR in operation, the decision of a penalty remained at Hampden Park.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee was stunned by the decision, having to double-check that a spot-kick was actually awarded in Scotland’s favour for the incident.
“Wow. I think this is a debatable incident involving ‘was it a foul, or was it not a foul?’ To me, I think that the act of simulation has been awarded, and he’s deceived the referee,” Hackett said.
| Findlay Curtis vs Curacao | Stats [FotMob] |
| Minutes played | 48 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Penalties won | 1 |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Successful dribbles | 100% (1/1) |
| Ground duels won | 50% (3/6) |
| Fouls committed | 2 |
“I’m not giving a penalty kick because I think there’s a question about whether contact has been made. But what I am certain about is the act of simulation by this player.
“Sadly, as we’ve discussed on many occasions, this is a problem within the game, and it’s taking place at the grassroots level, right through to the very elite level of the game.
“I think it’s an act of simulation for which the player should have received a yellow card. And to say, is he going to change? I don’t think so.”
Could the Rangers gem make a breakthrough at Ibrox next season?
Supporters at Ibrox are really excited to see Curtis next season, but there is no certainty that Rohl gives him that opportunity.
Football Insider understands that Curtis could leave Rangers due to the expected incomings over the summer, and that would be a massive disappointment for the match-going fans.
The 19-year-old winger notched five goals and an assist in 14 appearances for Killie, taking his opportunity for minutes completely in his stride.
Those at Rugby Park would love to have the youngster back next season, but given his recent exploits, several big-name clubs could come knocking for his signature before the summer is over.
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