Bobby Madden was the centre of attention tonight as Celtic beat Hearts 1-0 thanks to a 33rd minute goal from Kyogo Furuhashi.
Robbie Neilson and Sky pundit Kris Boyd made a big deal out of the borderline offside call on the goal but looked elsewhere over 90 error strewn minutes from the match referee and his assistants.
In the second minute Barrie Mackay got away with a kick at the shins of Tony Ralston as the tone was set.
Whenever Celtic players were impeded it seemed that Madden wanted to play advantage, as soon as a Hearts player was contacted they fell to the ground and were awarded a free kick.
It was a frustrating night for the Celtic fans inside the stadium and for those watching on telly with Madden in charge of Ange Postecoglou’s side for the fourth time this season including the opening game of the season between the same clubs at Tynecastle.
Neilson was yellow carded for complaining about an incident in which Hearts substitute Gary Mackay-Steven seemed to trip himself up. In the 85th minute Adam Montgomery became the only player booked.
Tonight’s match was Madden’s first since sending off Funso Ojo of Aberdeen after he was confronted and struck by a Dundee United fan at Tannadice on November 20.
Madden was a disgrace tonight. Showing his true colours!
— brian mccluskey (@btmcc) December 2, 2021
Bobby Madden should never referee a top flight game again after that.
— Joe Burns (@JoeBurno22) December 2, 2021
And breathe. A win is a win. Should’ve won by more. Not good 3 going off injured and where was Madden’s cards #CELHEA
— Deniese O’Flaherty (@deniese_o) December 2, 2021
Madden was definitely at it tonight. There should have been early bookings for McKay and Haring.
— Martin Mc1967 SAY NO TO RACISM (@Martinmc1967) December 2, 2021
Madden done everything he could the night again to give them a hand, no that we done ourselves any favours the night, a brutal watch, injuries galore along the way, tough slog but another 3pts.
Higgins not welcome ?? pic.twitter.com/dr9sNhmtTt
— ? ????? ? ? (@COYBIG_1_8_8_8) December 2, 2021
Bobby Madden has referee’s 180 minutes of Hearts players booting lumps out of Celtic players, and surprise, surprise not one Hearts player booked, shocking really.
— Jimmy Laing (@JimmyLaing9) December 2, 2021
Sorry Ewan, Madden has been shocking how some Hearts players not in the book is unbelievable…
— Gerry (@Gerrym70) December 2, 2021
A masterclass in sneakiness tonight. The Madden way. Looks like we are going to get back down to the bare bones for December. At least we can rest everyone against Betis ?
— Stevie Jackson (@bobby__peru) December 2, 2021
If you want to know how a referee influences a game, watch Bobby Maddens performance tonight #CelticFC
— Dresden CSC (@Dresden_CSC) December 2, 2021
3 points despite Madden doing his best
— Jedi Mind Trick (@TheBhoyCha) December 2, 2021
Keep highlighting these individuals. On a similar subject, is there anyone out there who can tell me why sevco continually get penalties when required? Betting shops must be losing fortunes. HH
Don’t blame Madden blame the celtic board.
Acceptance of cheating brings more cheating.
Can see why Higgins went after the Greetin Brigade. Walkers shaming the club again tonight.
Getting real bored wi ref talk – great 3pts never thot jota looked right in 1st half , defo could kept few balls in – naivety on his part imo that hamstring was waiting to happen- kyogo next running about like a maddie chasing keeper for no reason- all on lennon + lawell how’ these 2 can sleep at night ! Starfelt made me eat my words + cal mac will be a great celtic captain roll on the jan window