For the fifth time in 14 SPFL matches Celtic will be refereed by Don Robertson. This time against Hearts.
With 14 referees used so far in the SPFL Premiership there is no need for any referee to be in charge of the same club more than twice at this stage of the season.
Sunday’s match against Hearts is a top of the table clash with the outcome possibly coming down to a decision by the referee.
As Celtic fans have noted this season Robertson manages Celtic fixtures in a very particular way.
ROBERTSON ANALYTICS
Against Hibs in September the hoops had 77% possession of the ball. Incredibly Hibs were awarded 16 free kicks from their limited time on the ball.
Celtic were awarded one free kick. It arrived in the 88th minute to avoid a clean sweep.
That wasn’t an exception when it comes to Robertson. The referee who specialises in breaking up play when Celtic are on the ball.
Opponents know to hit the deck at any contact. Chances are that they will gain a free kick and 30 seconds or more to gain a breath and reorganise.
Hearts won’t need Jamestown Analytics to identify the way Robertson handles matches. Derek McInnes will know exactly how to waste time and spoil the game.
This morning the SFA announced:
Celtic F.C. v Heart of Midlothian F.C. William Hill Premiership 2025/26 Regular Season 07/12/2025 3:00pm Celtic Park Referee:Don Robertson AR1: David Roome AR2: Ross Macleod VAR: Greg Aitken AVAR: Dan McFarlane
Robertson has already refereed the visits of St Mirren, Hibs and Kilmarnock. He also refereed Celtic’s visit to Ibrox in August.
In all three previous home matches Celtic dominated possession, enjoying more than 65% possession. Each time they had more free kicks awarded against than for.
While other clubs call out refereeing decisions and issues Michael Nicholson says nothing. Which explains why Celtic have to put up with Robertson so frequently.
Celtic v Hibs, referee Robertson.
Celtic v Kilmarnock, referee Robertson.
Who should manage Celtic in the League Cup Final
O'NEILL- No reason to change
NANCY- Get the new era started
So the team (over the two games) that has over 65% possession commit 40 fouls and are rewarded only 5….
That stat proves that this man is incapable of refereeing Celtic in any professional unbiased way…..
HH
Absolutely staggering statistics and not a word from our Chairman or ‘toom tabard’.
As a support we need to enforce positive change in the boardroom and bringing in Lint@Zeshankenzo would be one helluvs step forward.
No more silence, just incontestable proof that we are cheated at almost every game we play.
Don’t expect Lucan to open his jaws Dando !