Euan 'spot-kick' Norris strikes again
Euan ‘spot-kick’ Norris was once again the key figure as Celtic lost 2-1 to Hearts in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup at Hampden.
With the scores level in the 90th minute the notorious Lanarkshire referee jumped into the spotlight by pointing to the penalty spot after Marius Zaliukas shot at Joe Ledley’s arm from two yards range.
To no-one’s surprise Norris pointed to the penalty spot with Craig Beattie converting to book Hearts place in the final against Edinburgh rivals Hibs.
Controversial penalty decisions are the trademark of the way that Norris handles matches with Rangers benefiting from five penalties in a three matche spell from Norris.
In November 2010 Norris awarded Rangers two penalties in a 3-2 win at Kilmarnock, in his next Rangers appointment Steven Whittaker scored the winner from the penalty spot.
At the start of this season Norris awarded Rangers two second half penalties in their 2-0 win at Inverness to the anger of Terry Butcher.
This season Norris has had just one Celtic SPL match, the 2-0 win at St Johnstone in December, but has refereed both semi-finals at Hampden.
In next season’s Champions League qualifiers Celtic’s matches will be refereed by UEFA appointed officials.
Rangers v CELTIC Glasgow Cup Final, kick off 7pm, Ibrox April 16
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