UEFA set to dump Scottish referee
The man who refereed Celtic’s Scottish Cup semi-final defeat from Hearts last season is set to be demoted from Category 1 down to Category 2 when the new ref rankings come out on January 1.
Norris has been given just one European match this season, the low key Europa League qualifier between Trabzonspor and Videoton in Turkey in August, with the UEFA beaks clearly unconvinced by the man from the same Lanarkshire Referee’s Association that produced Willie Collum.
At the age of 35 it is unlikely that Norris will return to the Category 1 list with the subsequent loss of first class travel and expenses to supplement his full time career.
Following his decision to award Hearts an injury time penalty in the Scottish Cup semi-final Norris was confronted by Neil Lennon on the pitch at the final whistle.
Norris had a shocking game at Hampden and needed the help of an assistant to yellow card Ian Black for a horrendous over the top attack on Joe Ledley that many felt should have been an ordering off.
More recently Norris clashed with Kilmarnock boss Kenny Shiels after sending off goalkeeper Cammy Bell in a 2-1 defeat to St Johnstone.
“I went to shake the hand of the ref at the end and didn’t say a word,” the Rugby Park boss explained. “I kept my emotions inside as much as I could. He then said something sarcastic so I reported him to John Connolly (SPL delegate).
“I don’t know what exactly it was he said but it was something flippant. I will also be reporting him to John Fleming as well because I’m not happy about it.”
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