The Don Robertson tactics that Celtic must overcome to beat Hearts

For the sixth time this season Don Robertson will referee an SPFL match involving Celtic.

With 14 referees taking charge of Premiership matches there is no need for any ref to be given more than four Celtic matches. He was also referee for the Scottish Cup tie at Ibrox in March.

As we know Celtic matches are refereed in a very strange way by Willie Collum’s mates.

Despite having the bulk of possession, often 70% or more, almost always Celtic have more fouls awarded against them.

Opposing manager know how to work the system. How to break up play, halt any momentum building for Celtic.

At the slightest contact, or even none at all, opposing players hit the deck. Nine times out of 10 they will be awarded a free kick.

The opposite also applies. You can knock lumps out of Celtic players with virtually no chance of being punished.

Robertson is the absolute master of this form of refereeing.

ROBERTSON- A CONSTANT DANGER TO CELTIC

It has allowed him to climb the ladder starting with the famous Ross County match in 2017.

That day Alex Schalk took a dive with Erik Sviatcvhenko a full metre away. Robertson didn’t hesitate to award a penalty against Celtic.

Under John Fleming, Crawford Allan and now Willie Collum he has been trusted to deliver the required decisions.

As well as his unusual refereeing performances Robertson is a regular on VAR, most recently for Celtic’s recent away win over Hibs.

That day he didn’t notice that Joe Newell twice used his arm before equalising for Hibs. Similarly in the second half he didn’t notice Josh Campbell using both hands to push Ben Nygren over in the penalty box.

With that background Robertson will referee the most important match of the season tomorrow.

Only Collum can justify that. Just like the continual appointments of Steven McLean, John Beaton and David Dickinson in matches involving a club that they detest.