SCREW THIS UP DON AND YOU’RE FINISHED
Rodgers fires warning to blunder ref
BRENDAN RODGERS last night warned blunder ref Don Robertson another high-profile howler at Hampden may end his hopes of becoming a top whistler.
The Celtic manager was staggered six days ago when the official awarded a penalty against Erik Sviatchenko after Alex Schalk’s dive in their 2-2 draw with Ross County.
Refs chief John Fleming later phoned Rodgers to apologise for the calamitous call yet Robertson
is straight back in action as one of the assistants behind a goal in tomorrow’s Scottish Cup clash between Celtic and Rangers.
Although Rodgers is adamant more should be done to help Scotland’s officials, he insists another drastic mistake could have a major impact on Robertson’s career.
He said: “I don’t want to throw the kid to the garbage when he is learning his profession but, if he makes too many of them, he is not going to be a top-class ref.
“He had better not do what the Ross County guy did and miss that one. That would be two in a week and then he is really struggling to be a top-class ref.
“Get him out there but we have to help raise the standard. I took a call from Fleming apologising on Don’s and his behalf.
“It was a very respectful and courteous thing to do.
“I don’t need Don to ring me, I just need him to apologise to Erik.
“We make mistakes but our job is to try to help the standard of refereeing.
“Up here we don’t have the budget, the refs aren’t full-time and you don’t have the resources that some other countries have.
“You have a small pool of referees that you are trying to promote and you have to help them. I am all for that.
“But like I say, if you make too many, you will suffer in your career.”
Rodgers believes more teamwork is required among Scotland’s officials after ref Robertson appeared not to take any advice or get any help from his assistants in Dingwall.
Rodgers said: “I’ve seen an image of it and I can see my reaction in the background straight away.
“The linesman, fourth official and ref are closer than me, so I don’t think there was a lot of help there. They’re supposed to work as a team, so the responsibility isn’t solely on him.
“Hopefully with more experience he learns to slow down his thinking. He clearly thought it was (a penalty) because he never interacted with any of them – and that is the worry. It is simulation but you have got to see it.”