IF there is indeed a conspiracy against Celtic then it’s probably the worst one in history.
They might have drawn yesterday, and we shall get to the controversy in a moment, but given where Rangers fond themselves five years ago, the situation they are in now and the fact a sixth league title is maybe only a week away, it has to be said there is only one club in Glasgow that has everything going for them.
But what a day yesterday was for the bloggers who hide behind false names so they can rant away to whoever reads them about the great injustices hurting their club that nobody else can see.
And please believe me when I say that I am not one of the ‘anyone but Celtic’ mob. But allow me to offer a humble critique on Bobby Madden.
It was not so much a refereeing performance as a piece of performance art.
First of all, it’s not as easy gig refereeing an Old firm game. The players never help, the chaotic atmosphere can affect anyone and every little decision is analysed to death. So spare me the idea mistakes won’t be made.
But Madden had a dreadful match, and also post-match, as Leigh Griffiths revealed the referee, moments after not seeing the Clint Hill foul on the striker, then asked the Celtic player if he’s got the decision right or not.
What is that all about? He either gives a penalty, or he does not, then keeps his mouth shut. The mistake was only amplified by then going over to the wronged Griffiths to see if he had called it right.
Celtic were poor. That’s cannot be disputed. But the players and certainly supporters will say they were not helped by Madden who, if you believe the rumours, is a former season ticket holder at Ibrox.
That was mentioned more than once on social media.
It began in the eighth minute when Kenny Miller took a swipe at Stuart Armstrong and nothing was given. The same happened on quarter of an hour after Scott Brown brought down Jason Holt off the ball.
Hill then hugged Armstrong to the ground. It should have been a yellow and was not, he later fouled James Forrest on the edge of the box. A free-kick was given, Madden took our his yellow card, seemed to count out the fouls made by the Rangers defender and then, wait for it, put the card back in his pocket.
Hill was yellow carded in the second half but this time his challenge on Moussa Dembele actually looked fair enough.
Martyn Waghorn was booked for a bad one on Nir Bitton, that was bang on, as was his decision to allow play to go on when Danny Wilson clattered Armstrong as Celtic attacked.
And just to ingratiate himself even more with the home fans, at the end of the first-half Celtic won a corner and Madden blew for the break before they could take it.
To be fair to Madden, he did allow a lot to go and that’s not bad thing. Players make tackles in an Old Firm game and the referee’s job is to manage it.
But then he allows Jason Holt to go through the back of Patrick Roberts, no foul was given, and the Rangers midfielder came close to a goal, as Mikael Lustig came close to losing it. Harry Forrester was a bit naughty when he caught Craig Gordon. Again, Madden wasn’t interested.
And then came the 91st minutes, a ball over Hill, Griffiths gets to it, is about to shoot, and a big leg comes from behind him. Next thing he is on the ground.
Madden doesn’t get to watch it twice. He gets one take and it’s usually in the blink of an eye. But he’s got to get that one right. That’s his job. Albeit it’s a job few of us would want.
He doesn’t deserve abuse in the street. Only the truly thick would think about that. But I don’t we will be seeing him refereeing this match again in a hurry.
As Robert Douglas, the former Celtic goalkeeper, said on Twitter; “Actually waiting for Bobby Madden (to) foul a Celtic player and wave play on.” Ouch.
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