Michael Stewart wasn’t prepared to compromise as he joined Steven EBT Thompson on the Sportscene sofa last night.
First up to view and discuss were the highlights from Ibrox where Don Robertson turned in another match-winning performance.
John Lundstram was on the team-sheet to remind Robertson of what happened to Willie Collum last week when he went off message by applying the Laws of the Game.
Yesterday’s referee wasn’t going to repeat that error even though he handed James Sands a fully deserved yellow card in the 10th minute.
Five minutes later the same player committed a worse foul, rugby tackling Jordy Hiwula to the ground when the County forward has a clear opportunity to score.
Robertson shook his head, nothing to see here, raising his hands as if to say ‘You know I can’t send him off at 0-0 after 15 minutes’.
James Sands Rangers red card incident slammed by BBC pundits as Michael Stewart blasts ‘ludicrous’ decision https://t.co/wHlqmp6StR
— Scottish Sun Sport (@scotsunsport) August 27, 2022
Malky Mackay is right to be frustrated. They need everything to go their way if Ross County are going to get anything from the game. Forget a second yellow card, it’s a red card. It’s a ludicrous decision from the referee.
I would love to know what Don Robertson thinks happens here. For it not to be a foul, a booking or a red card. It’s an incredible decision.
Sands is in the wrong position, Hiwula has spun him. It’s not a difficult decision for the referee, because it’s so clear.
There seems to be no media agenda to bring in the SFA Compliance Officer to review the incident, next week Sands is due to face Celtic with Ben Davies crocked and Sick Note Souttar not seen in almost a month.
Straight red at that point in the game could have easily resulted in dropping more points and losing a defender before going to Celtic Park. https://t.co/Qx8A4WvZsR
— Lint (@Zeshankenzo) August 27, 2022
You can remind referees all you want about the Laws of the Game when they make an “Honest Mistake?” but you can’t teach courage to enforce the laws of the game.
That non decision is an absolute embarrassment to Scottish football.
Robertson should be demoted, it’s either incompetence or cheating.
Cheating, plain and simple.