Craig Thomson has announced his retirement as a referee.
Thomson’s final game in charge was Celtic’s 2-1 win over Hearts on Sunday with the hoops involved in four of his last six top flight matches including home games against Hibs, Aberdeen and Hearts.
“I’ve enjoyed 19 years as a Category one referee,” he told BBC Scotland. “It’s time to let younger refs come through and maybe see if I can reduce my golf handicap.”
Thomson is now likely to find another job within the SFA and tell hilarious tales on the after dinner circuit alongside former referees like Bobby Tait, Kenny Clark and Stuart Dougal.
In his first Glasgow derby, in 2009 Thomson had a horrendous match which ensured his place in the top flight for years to come.
Shaun Maloney and Mark Wilson were booked for simulation despite clear evidence of contact that should have given Celtic penalties.
While Dougie McDonald and Mike McCurry hastily resigned as referees Thomson continued to enjoy regular top flight appointments and lucrative European trips.
His last high profile match was Celtic’s 3-0 win over Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup semi-final in which Dom Ball got his second yellow for a sickening head clash with Ryan Christie with team mate Lewis Ferguson issued with a straight red for a brutal over the ball attack on Tom Rogic.
Thomson was in charge of Celtic’s 2015 League Cup semi-final win over the club from Ibrox which saw the hoops race into an early 2-0 lead with the remainder of the match punctuated by a succession of baffling fouls being awarded.
CLICK HERE for Thomson’s matches this season.
