SPL dump blundering Norris
Norris was at the centre of a ‘no-goal’ controversy at Easter Road on Sunday during the Hibs v Hearts derby screened live by Sky Sports.
Late in the second half a free kick from Leigh Griffiths bounced almost a yard over the line but neither Norris or so called assistant referee Raymond Whyte noticed the ball cross the line.
On Saturday Norris will referee the First Division relegation battle between Cowdenbeath and Airdrie United while Whyte runs the line at East Stirling v Berwick Rangers.
Norris has been an SPL regular all season and has also taken charge of recent high profile cup ties including Dundee United v Sevco in the Scottish Cup and the League Cup semi-final between Hearts and Inverness Caley Thistle.
UEFA dumped the Lanarkshire referee from continental action at the turn of the year but it’s believed that he remains one of the favoured sons in Scottish refereeing circles.
After seeing his side miss out on two vital points on Sunday Hibs boss Pat Fenlon said: “I thought from the reaction of Leigh and how he celebrated that it was a goal.
“But we had an equally bad decision against Dundee United recently. That’s four big points that we’ve lost rather than dropped. So I’m desperately disappointed with that decision today.
“I won’t hammer referees but they should be coming out and explaining why these decisions are given. Those two could prove very costly to us and I said that to the referee at the end.
“It can cost league placings and money so there’s a lot at stake. If it’s a case where it’s close to the line, okay. But this was nearly at the back of the net – plus the ball was yellow which is easier to see.
“It was a fantastic strike from Leigh and I don’t know whether the linesman bottled it or whether he’s just not in line. The ref told some of the players that if he’s not sure he can’t give it.”
Saturday’s Celtic v Aberdeen match will be refereed by Steven McLean.
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