St Johnstone Hounding the ref

The stand-out performance on Saturday was an exhibition of how to manipulate the referee. Every decision given against Celtic was challenged, often aggressively and at length. The worst aspect of this hounding of the official was repeated attempts to influence the referee to caution Saints players when fouls were awarded against them.

This behaviour does not appear to be an issue in European matches, no doubt because officials would use yellow cards. The lesson for Scottish officials is to use yellow cards effectively and consistently, particularly for attempts to influence the sending-off or cautioning of a fellow professional. This will soon have the desired effect.

SJ