Furious Phil hits out as German referee awards a penalty against his Europa heroes

Without the benefits of a Scottish referee Phil Clement has hit out at the penalty that his side conceded to Benfica in the Europa League.

It seems that the former Monaco boss has quickly become used to the special rules of Scottish football where Goldson’s Law is used to excuse or ignore multiple handball issues with Ibrox players while it contrives to award penalties against their opponents or Celtic.

Over their last 85 SPFL matches just one penalty has been awarded against Charles Green’s Tribute Act, in Europe things have been a little different.

Last season four penalties were awarded against Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side in 10 matches while they escaped unpunished through 38 SPFL matches refereed by John Beaton, Steven McLean, Alan Muir and friends.

Against Benfica German referee Tobias Stieler awarded the Portuguese side a penalty when John Souttar threw his arm up to block a cross, that decision came as a shock to Clement.

It’s very harsh. I have said it already a few times but I don’t agree with where the game is going with the handball situation, but those are the rules. I had more problems with some situations in the last few weeks, but with this one gets given because of the rules.

But as someone who loves football I have difficulty with those rules, like all other managers and players.

It is too harsh now that a ball that is clearly not intended to hit your arm is given as a penalty the moment it touches you. Too many games all over the world are decided in this way but those are the rules.

Maybe when I am finished as a manager I can do something to make the game more simple again and for referees also, as it’s difficult for them too.

It will be back to business as usual and Goldson’s Law at Easter Road on Sunday with McLean refereeing the match with serial offender Steven Kirkland from Ayrshire on VAR duty.

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