Craig Thomson fires back at Sproule criticism
Sproule made a number of comments about Thomson’s display describing it as shocking and one of the poorest refereeing performances that he’d seen in a long time.
Referees rarely ever speak out about their own performances but stung by Sproul’s criticism Thomson decided to use The Sun to defend his performance.
“Sproule’s comments were frustrating, Thomson claimed. “I was low last weekend because I made a mistake, but it was almost a double kick at me.
“It was a cheap shot. I understand a player was penalised for something he didn’t think he did.
“It is frustrating because you are not judged on one game I hope.
“I don’t think players are judged on one decision they make in a match, and I don’t think we should be judged on one decision either.
“There are some silly comments come out like: ‘This referee should be demoted’.
“It’s quite frustrating as a ref because you work so hard to get to that level and you devote the time to it and you don’t shut the book on it, you try to learn from mistakes.”
Despite his public criticism of Thomson Sproul has yet to be called on by the SFA to explain his comments.
Hibs boss Pat Fenlon was upset that Thomson wouldn’t speak to him after the game at Aberdeen with the ref suggesting that he’d be happy to speak out about decisions rather than follow the SFA’s vow of silence.
“You want to be able to come out and speak and say why you made a decision,” Thomson claimed.
“I got it wrong at Aberdeen, but I’m not helped by the player (Pawlett’s dive for the penalty), it has now become almost like an art for some of the players.
“We don’t have a voice to come back sometimes. I understand the players can criticise us, but we can’t come back to reply to them.”
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