Away from the pesky cameras of BT Sport, Craig Thomson managed to get mixed up in another diving storm at the Dundee United v Raith Rovers match on Sunday.
Tannadice striker Cammy Smith, on loan from Aberdeen, picked up a seventh minute yellow card for simulation and was adamant that he hadn’t dived.
A fortnight earlier, across the street at Dens Park, Thomson seemed loath to issue a second yellow card to Harry Forrester despite a three challenges that most observers, including World Cup Final ref Howard Webb, felt was worthy of further action.
Last week Leigh Griffiths picked up a yellow card for simulation from Thomson while James Forrest collected a bizarre booking for a fairly restrained goal celebration.
On Saturday Smith fell foul of Thomson’s law and wasn’t afraid to speak out about the injustice.
“It’s a penalty, I said to Craig Thomson at half-time when I saw it that I checked in,” the striker said. “I’m not a diver. I wouldn’t dive especially when I’m through on goal so I don’t know why I’d go down.
“He said to me that he thought there was contact but not enough to give a pen, but it was a clear penalty.
“He’s decided to give the foul against me but even Craig himself didn’t give the impression that he was 100 per cent sure. It’s just disappointing. It should have been a penalty.
“I’m an honest player so I’m not going to go down in the box that easily but he’s decided against it.
“That’s his point of view but when I spoke to him I didn’t really get the conviction he was 100 per cent sure.
“He’s a top referee, don’t get me wrong, and I’ve played in lots of games with him and he is a good referee but maybe he’s just got this one wrong. If he’s not sure then he should just let the game flow.”
The match finished 2-2 bringing an end to Raith Rovers’ 100% start to the SPFL season.
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