John Hartson: I'm sorry there could be a conspiracy
Speaking candidly in his column in The Sun today the Welsh striker admits that he tried to dismiss the conspiracy theory throughout his five years as a Celtic player.
Willie Collum’s decision to award Rangers a penalty last week has forced Hartson into a rethink after years of dismissing the notion.
“Now I fear that there is a conspiracy against my old club,” he admits in today’s paper. “How else can anyone explain Willie Collum’s penalty decision in the Old Firm match?
“What rankles with me is that Collum just didn’t see the incident. His back was turned and he had absolutely no idea what was going on in the box.
“If he had a clear view of the flashpoint and pointed to the spot that would have been a different matter.
“Celtic fans might not have liked the decision but we could all have put it down to human error. After all it’s not the first time that Celts have been on the wrong end of an honest blunder in an Old Firm derby.
“Anyone remember the two stonewall spot-kicks Craig Thomson turned down last season and his subsequent apology?
“Now it’s my turn to say sorry for all the years that I laughed at the punters who shouted about a conspiracy because unless Collum quickly explains why he pointed to the spot I can see their point.
“How Collum can go out and referee another top flight match until he gives an answer is beyond me.
“I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. It was totally embarassing and has made a mockery out of two great clubs. It is the worst decision I have seen in my life.
“This incredible decision has deeply effected me over the last week and made me think so hard about all the conspiracy theories I’ve heard over the years.
“Horror decisions like Collum’s spot-kick call can’t be tolerated and unless there is a clear answer to Celtic’s questions I’m afraid that the conspiracy theorists might be right.”
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