What was Bobby Madden’s role in Cornergate at Livingston?

Bobby Madden’s role in Celtic’s ‘hugely controversial’ opening goal at Livingston seems to have been overlooked. 

Led by BBC Scotland radio, television and online coverage you could easily get the impression that Livingston were the victims of an incredible travesty of justice. Except the state broadcaster couldn’t care less for Livi, their outrage is for a cause closer to their base at Pacific Quay, on the south bank of the River Clyde. 

Celtic got the benefit of a wrong call at a corner. So what? There were plenty of incidents during the match that went against the visitors. The flow of unpunished fouls on Greg Taylor and James Forrest spring to mind. 

Stephane Omeonga escaped a second yellow early in the second half for wiping out Tom Rogic right in front of Nick Walsh. 

The focus of the state broadcaster was all on a corner-kick. Walsh was fairly close to the contact, much closer than his Fourth Official who seemed to be in unison with the Livingston manager over the decision. 

The Daily Record reports Martindale saying: 

I don’t think we deserved a lot more from the game, but two big decisions went against us, which led to two goals. That’s the disappointing aspect. 

The first one was a blatant bye-kick. Bobby (Madden, fourth official) and the linesman were telling Nick it was a bye-kick but you still have to defend the corner a lot better than we did. 

Martindale is on first name terms with Madden. How the Fourth Official had a better view than the match referee from ground level 50 yards away is difficult to understand. 

In every industry and profession there is competition, perhaps Madden was wanting to undermine Walsh? Surely from 50 yards away he knows that the match referee had a better view on the contact that led to the corner. 

Madden refereed six out of Celtic’s first 24 SPFL matches, it seems that he is being given a break from those duties but can’t help himself from getting involved.