We don’t pass comment on what’s going on elsewhere very much – but given the ferocity of opinions from the other side of town two weeks ago when a Hibs player was sent off at Ibrox – we have to point out the blatant double standards after Saturday’s round of fixtures.
Ryan Porteous was sent off for Hibernian for what’s been branded a leg breaker by many boys in blue.
Fast forward to Joe Aribo against Hearts [check the image below] and nothing is done about it, little is said and we all need to move on.
There’s no consistent narrative. The tribalism that exists means a support base who were convinced Porteous should have been sent off are now defending this lunge.
The standard of refereeing has always been a major concern in Scottish football. The Ibrox club have had very little in the way of red cards for their players domestically – while they regularly get sent off in Europe.
The rules must be applied and referees who don’t act on blatant red card decisions must be reprimanded.
When things end up tight at the top, these decisions could have a major impact on the season. Yes, it would be great to not have to rely on referees doing their job properly, but during Celtic’s rebuild, they don’t need so much luck as the rules to be applied.
Instances this season of Celtic players being mowed down blatantly have saw referees play on at times or only get out the yellow. It’s about time the standard of refereeing was addressed before you give them a new toy in the shape of VAR.
