It should have been a fairly straightforward night’s work but Bobby Madden managed to make his mark as Celtic beat Motherwell 3-0 to return to the top of the SPFL.
The Lanarkshire based referee introduced a new concept to the match as Motherwell tried to use their strong arm tactics to the max.
Was it just me or was Bobby Madden’s personal agenda against @CelticFC absolutely shining like the parkhead disco lights? On that showing, he shouldn’t be allowed to officiate Celtic games. Ever.
— Alan Cranney (@alancranney) December 19, 2018
Motherwell prob one of the most aggressive teams at Celtic Park this season.
Kicked us up n down the park. Some poor challenges, even Brendan was going mental side of the park.
How many yellow cards from Bobby Madden? The answer is 1, from the baldy masonic cunt.
— The Hunskelper… (@Hunskelper1967) December 19, 2018
Excellent 1st half. Experimental / training session 2nd half. Good to see both Ntcham & Brown put in good performances. I’d be giving Ralston & Johnstone both starts on Saturday.
Bobby Madden is a joke, disgrace the number of fouls he let go. Not even hiding it.
— Ronnie (@RonnieJM67) December 19, 2018
Give bobby madden a wee brake,its not easy reffing a game while listening to the rangers match on his earpeice ????????????
— micky forrest (@mickforrest1888) December 19, 2018
Bobby Madden, what can you say, he just lets anything go against Celtic, disgraceful referee who is going to be responsible for maybe ending a players promising career with the tone he sets.@ScottishFA @PFAScotland#OnlyInScotland #Shameful
— Cecil Teapot (@cecilteaspoon) December 19, 2018
One fan described it as the Disadvantage Rule and Madden played it perfectly.
When a Celtic player was being fouled in a position far from goal Bobby would happily wave play on. When Celtic were breaking clear of the body checking and late lunges last night’s referee would drag play back for a foul that had largely gone unnoticed.
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Madden’s annoying decision making actually back-fired as he riled up the home support.
Midway through the first half James Forrest was barged off the ball with the Motherwell defender holding him for about four yards as he moved over towards the right flank.
When the referee waved play on the Celtic support was up out of their seats letting Madden know what they thought of his decision.
Within ten minutes Celtic had scored twice, shortly after the final whistle Celtic were top of the table, replacing the Ibrox club who drew 0-0 away to Hibs.