Three times less stoppage time is played in matches in which Celtic are winning by three or more goals than in other Celtic fixtures.
Neil Lennon highlighted the issue in a Celtic TV interview after just one minute was added on at the end of the 6-0 win over Ross County despite both teams using three substitutes during the second half. When Celtic won 1-0 at Hamilton last month, the same referee, Don Robertson, played six minutes added time.
So far this season in matches that Celtic have been winning by more than three goals 1.2 minutes of added time has been played, in all Celtic domestic games this season referees have added an average of 3.4 minutes. It seems to be accepted that referees provide ‘mercy time’ when a team is being heavily defeated rather than apply the same laws as they do in other fixtures.
Lack of added time when Celtic winning comfortably is something I noted last season. Lennon is correct.
Attached is an analysis from Oct 17 – end of last season (BBC site available data) and this season. https://t.co/djDteEFLn0 pic.twitter.com/p7e9GHuHAB
— celticbynum8ers (@Alan_Morrison67) October 22, 2019
Celtic’s sixth goal on Saturday allowed them to move to the top of the table based on goals scored, in terms of points and goal difference they are level with the Ibrox men.
Regardless of how tight the race for the title is the same laws should be applied in every match. Ross County and other sides could equally be effected by goal difference with prize money dependent on final SPFL positions.
