Dickinson 3-0 Collum: The stats that show Crawford Allan is following Ibrox orders

For the third time since January 26 David Dickenson will referee a match involving Philippe Clement’s side when Hibs visit Ibrox on Saturday.

The Renfrew based official found himself in the spotlight back in November as he shared a smile with the Ibrox boss as the Fourth Official after a goal was scored against Hearts in the semi-final of the League Cup.

Since then Dickinson has been in the middle for the matches Motherwell (December 24), St Mirren (January 27) and Kilmarnock (February 28).

Strangely Dickinson hasn’t had another SPFL match since the game at Rugby Park but on Saturday it will be his third match involving the Ibrox club since the turn of the year.

In marked contrast Willie Collum has now gone 11 SPFL fixtures without being involved with Clement’s team, either side of being in charge of the home Scottish Cup tie against Ayr United.

Quite clearly there is nothing random about how Crawford Allan appoints referees, a few days after the Ayr United fixture the SFA Head of Refereeing was singing the praises of Clement after his club had used a fan media partner to get the message out that Collum wasn’t welcome. So far Allan has complied.

Asked about the selection process, on February 15 Allan told the Daily Record:

At no point will a club influence a decision of a referee appointment in Scotland. I can categorically state that the Scottish FA will appoint referees to the best of that person’s experience, ability and professionalism. We will be appointing referees as their experience and profile is appropriate for. We totally reject any request from any club that a referee would not be considered for their club appointments.

We don’t want to make any massive headlines from one referee. It doesn’t matter if it’s one person’s name out there, it affects all the referees. We have to protect them all.

Actions speak far louder than words, with Dickinson getting his third match involving Clement’s side in just over two months it is clear that Allan follows instructions from Ibrox on who referees their match. On Saturday Collum will referee the match between Hearts and Kilmarnock.

Andrew Dallas will be on VAR duties for Saturday’s match at Ibrox.

CLICK HERE for Collum’s matches this season.

CLICK HERE for Dickinson’s matches this season.