Don Robertson prevented tensions from boiling over following an off-the-ball incident involving Celtic defender Auston Trusty against Rangers.
That is the view of former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Hoops’ defender was guilty of “cheating” during the Scottish Cup clash at Ibrox on Sunday, 8 March.
Shortly before the hour mark, Trusty collapsed to the ground in apparent agony following contact with Youssef Chermiti. Replays, however, revealed minimal contact between the pair, leading to accusations of simulation against the American centre-back.
As Robertson moved to assess the situation, several players converged on the stricken defender, creating one of several flashpoints during a heated Old Firm encounter.
Hackett did not mince words when speaking exclusively to Football Insider: “It’s cheating. It’s an action that nobody wants to see: a player going down to get an opponent sent off. It’s unacceptable.
“It’s excellent refereeing from Robertson, getting straight in at the beginning of a mass confrontation, with the assistant helping. There’s no overreaction. But these are the things happening in football that are frankly disgraceful. Let’s have a degree of respect for other players. No football fan wants to see this level of nonsense. In fairness to the player accused, he didn’t overreact. Some suddenly think that, if you think I’ve hit you, have one for real.”
The controversy extended beyond the final whistle, with both sets of supporters invading the pitch after Celtic’s penalty shootout victory secured their place in the Scottish Cup semi-finals. Celtic manager Martin O’Neill and his players were photographed celebrating alongside the travelling fans, scenes that Hackett suggested could lead to disciplinary action against both clubs.
O’Neill defended his team’s conduct afterwards: “It’s a big derby game, and I think there was a lot of jubilation at us winning. The fans spilt over, and I suppose it is very difficult to quell that.
“As we were making our way back, there was some kind of fracas, and someone had tried to get on the field. It’s unfortunate [scenes at the end] but hopefully it doesn’t dilute the performance in terms of character.”
The Scottish FA has already indicated its intention to investigate the disturbances, casting a shadow over what was otherwise a compelling contest between Scottish football’s fiercest rivals.