John Hartson believes that a refereeing decision will have Celtic more fired up than ever when they face Sevco at Hampden on Sunday.
The build up to the Scottish Cup semi-final has been overshadowed by Don Robertson’s decision to award Ross County a penalty against the hoops when Alex Schalk dived in the penalty box.
Yesterday the Ross County striker was given a two match ban for simulation but blunder ref Don Robertson will be an additional assistant at Hampden.
Robertson will be a reminder to Celtic of the fine margins that can decide the outcome of games but it’s another decision in last months Glasgow derby that Hartson believes will give Brendan Rodgers’ players extra motivation.
With the clock reaching towards 90 minutes Leigh Griffiths wrestled himself free of Clint Hill on the edge of the penalty box but as he prepared to shoot from 15 yards out the 38-year-old crashed through him with the ball rolling harmlessly to Wesley Foderingham.
“That was ridiculous,” Hartson told The Sun. “Celtic should have had a penalty and Clint Hill should have been sent off.
“It was a blatant foul, a sending off and penalty. It’s maybe not a bad thing from a Celtic point of view.
“I think they will have too much and they have a big chance to get to a final. Rangers will feel they have to stop the Treble, but Celtic have enjoyed overpowering them this year.”
Willie Collum will referee Sunday’s match.