We’ve been Donned
Tav: Under-fire official made call and even Griff said it wasn’t pen
JAMES TAVERNIER last night pointed the finger at under-fire Don Robertson for pointing to the spot.
But Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths hit back at the Rangers star’s second claim he told him it was not a penalty at Hampden.
Referee Willie Collum
awarded a spot-kick to Celtic four minutes into the second half after the Parkhead striker went down in the box under a challenge from Tavernier.
But the Ibrox defender claimed the call was actually made by assistant Robertson from behind the goal.
The official had been hammered for seven days leading-up to Hampden after awarding Ross County their penalty for Alex Schalk’s dive against the champions.
And he was launched straight back into the spotlight by the Light Blues full-back.
Tavernier said: “It’s one of those decisions where the ref behind the goal has given the penalty.
“It’s been given and you can’t do anything about it. I thought it
wasn’t a penalty and I thought I got the ball first.”
Tavernier also told Rangers TV Griffiths had said to him before Scott Sinclair sank the award Collum had got it wrong.
He added: “Griffiths thought it wasn’t a penalty either when I spoke to him.”
However, the Celtic man took to social media to refute that claim and said: “Pen 100 per cent.” Despite that dispute, Tavernier admitted there were no arguments over the semi-final outcome and was annoyed at the lack of battle shown by his team.
He said: “It is a tough one to take. I don’t think we competed with them which was disappointing.
“That was the difference today. Them being clinical and us not putting up a fight.”