Celtic will be next to sample the joys of Willie Collum after the referee had a controversial midweek moment at Ibrox.
The experienced whistler was in charge of Rangers’ League Cup victory over Livingston on Wednesday night. While our rivals won the match 4-0, the crucial first goal was a very debatable one.
Attacker Abdallah Sima appeared to push Jamie Brandon to the ground before curling in the opener. Most neutrals agreed that it had been a foul from the goalscorer.
“I think that’s a free-kick,” said Stephen Craigan on co-commentary duty. “He puts his hand on his back.” (Viaplay)
Livingston boss David Martindale wasn’t happy about the incident post-match calling it a “clear push”. Yet Collum allowed the goal to stand. It was a very favourable outcome for the Ibrox side.
Former Celtic hero Chris Sutton had an amusing take on proceedings as he stirred the pot on social media. “I wonder if Livingston will demand answers from the SFA for the Sima goal…”, he tweeted in reference to the Rangers meltdown after their recent derby defeat to us. (Chris Sutton on Twitter)
After the bruising loss to Brendan Rodgers’ men, Rangers contacted the SFA to demand answers over why Kemar Roofe’s goal had been disallowed. (STV)
So the spotlight is on Collum. And next up, he has our Saturday lunchtime trip to Motherwell.
Collum will take charge of the 12:30 kick-off with Graeme Stewart and Chris Rae assisting him. Grant Irvine, who wasn’t at Ibrox, is on VAR duties. (SFA)
Refereeing drama has actually been in fairly short supply so far this season, by Scottish football standards anyway. Most big calls in Celtic matches have been correct, with the possible exception of a late Sead Haksabanovic penalty claim at Kilmarnock.
VAR has also not played as prominent a role as it did in its debut campaign. Let’s hope for more of the same, and a better refereeing performance from Collum, this weekend.
In other news, Anthony Ralston’s touching family message after proud Celtic moment
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