Everyone knows that there are new rules in force for handball as the incredible rise in the number of penalty kicks awarded illustrates.
Everyone that is except Don Robertson who is on the Class 1 FIFA list that ensures that the bulk of his matches involve the top clubs in the high profile fixtures.
Early in the second half of Celtic’s match against Kilmarnock Robertson had the opportunity to show why he is rated as one of the best referees in Scotland.
A cross from the Celtic left landed beyond the back post with Odsonne Edouard heading the ball back towards goal. A Kilmarnock arm went up, there was contact and the Celtic players appealed for a penalty. Robertson missed it completely.
Seen them given…. pic.twitter.com/WEChiTE4d1
— Highland__Paddy (@Highland__paddy) December 13, 2020
An official following play with an eye for the game would have spotted the hand ball and awarded a penalty, no further action would be required against the Kilmarnock defender.
Ten minutes later a shot from Moi Elyounoussi did deflect into the net with Celtic running out 2-0 winners. Had Robertson did his job properly and awarded Celtic a penalty the result may well have been more emphatic.
Robertson was also the referee in the Scottish Cup semi-final against Aberdeen that missed a punch on Albian Ajeti during stoppage time.
