Bobby Madden has accused Leigh Griffiths of misquoting him.
Tomorrow’s Hampden referee was speaking to the media about the Celtic v Aberdeen clash when he was asked about Celtic’s 1-1 draw with Sevco in March.
Shortly after Clint Hill’s late equaliser the former Hibs striker was able to wriggle free of Hill who had manhandled Celtic strikers throughout the match.
After positioning himself ready to shoot 12 yards from goal Griffiths was sent crashing to the ground as the ageing defender made a desperate lunge at the striker.
It seemed a clear cut penalty to everyone watching but Madden refused to point to the penalty spot. It was one of a number of puzzling decisions made by the referee who allowed Kenny Miller away with a reckless two footed lunge at Stuart Armstrong and Jason Holt got off Scot-free with a horrendous attack on Patrick Roberts.
After the match Griffiths claimed that Madden asked him if he had been fouled but the referee denies that claim.
“That’s incredible, you can see me on TV saying twice he played the ball,” the referee told The Sun.
“I was adamant he played the ball. Leigh maybe misquoted me!
“Yes, you can argue is the contact with the man first, but my thought process is that if you play the ball going in for a challenge then it’s okay.
“I saw the ball moved and I was comfortable with that.”
Most of Madden’s apologists claimed that he wasn’t in a position to get a clear view of the incident but he has put that notion to rest.
Having been given a Glasgow derby and Scottish Cup Final to referee Madden is now in the elite group of refs likely to be given the top fixtures for years to come.