Not many football fans will be complaining about the continuing absence of Andrew Dallas, son of Hugh, from matches this season.
The Lanarkshire based referee opted out of the lucrative international circuit in 2019 when he stepped down from the FIFA list but he retained the backing of the SFA with regular top flight fixtures and most importantly match fees.
Last season Andy took charge of Celtic’s away matches at Dundee United, Ross County and Motherwell before he was struck down with injury.
David Dickenson stepped in at the last minute for St Mirren’s Betfred Cup tie at home to Sevco in December with the Paisley side pulling off a surprise 3-2 win. Dallas hasn’t blown a whistle since.
Strangely, this season the SFA have provided Andy with some pay days. Two weeks ago he was fourth official at Celtic against Dundee, yesterday he was again trackside for Livingston v Motherwell.
So far this season Dallas Jnr hasn’t refereed a single match. His last match in charge was 5 December 2020 when Hibs won away to Motherwell. If he isn’t fit enough to be on the pitch he shouldn’t be denying a younger referee the chance to be fourth official and gain experience of matches in the SPFL Premiership.
Douglas Ross has still to be on the line for a match this season but has been a regular in recent seasons at Ibrox for the Glasgow derby.
CLICK HERE for this season’s SPFL Premiership appointments.
