John Hartson still vividly recalls an honest mistake that robbed him of an equalising goal in the 2003 League Cup Final against the old Rangers club.
Despite the benefit of the 18 yard box the linesman raised his flag for offside with Kenny Clark happy to take the word of his assistant. Another tainted trophy arrived at Ibrox with the win bonus shared among players who were mostly being paid through off shore Trust’s free from income tax and national insurance.
In the current season little has changed even with a new club operating from Ibrox as certain decisions consistently go a certain way.
The most recent Glasgow derby highlighted how the problems have got worse. As Celtic get more dominant on the park it seems that a balancing exercise is being carried out to provide a more even contest. The refereeing equivalent of being able to sign players on salaries that you wouldn’t normally be able to afford.
Reviewing the current issues Hartson told the Evening Times: “If you look at the history between Celtic and Rangers even lately, there have been a catalogue of very poor decisions. I am thinking even back to the first game between the clubs this season when Allan McGregor quite clearly kicks Kristoffer Ajer but escapes any punishment for it.
“Then at Ibrox in December Alfredo Morelos got away with doing what he liked on the pitch, with a particularly cowardly stamp on Anthony Ralston allowed to stand, even in the aftermath when the referee got a chance to look at it.”
He added: “There is also a strong argument for the implementation of common sense. If you are a referee involved in high profile games between Celtic and Rangers is it wise to head out for a drink into a pub where you are being patted on the back by a ton of Rangers fans?
“It doesn’t come across as the most professional way to act and nor does it do anything to encourage a feeling of security in officials. I also think that when there are acts in a game that are clearly illegal – back to Morelos again – you have to be seen to act. It is the only way for people to gain the trust and respect of officials.”
Bobby Madden will referee tomorrow’s match at Pittodrie with Craig Thomson in charge of the Celtic v Hibs match.
