Dallas hails bravery of official Spence – who suffered coin attack just like the ex-referee

GAVIN BERRY

sport@dailyrecord.co.uk football authorities have since done everything in their power to try to avoid Glasgow’s bitter rivals contesting a title decider.

The May 1999 fixture boiled over four minutes before half-time when Dallas dismissed Celtic’s Stephane Mahe with the coin striking his forehead and TV images of his face covered in blood flashed around the globe.

But despite being badly shaken he resumed his duties and that is why Dallas admired Spence, who continued his work just a few feet from Livi’s East Stand, one of three where Rangers fans were housed.

Play was held up by referee Craig Thomson while Spence was treated by the home side’s physio Andy MacKenzie and police are now treating the attack as assault.

Paul Hodge was ordered to carry out 240 hours’ community service in 2001 following the coin incident and Dallas hopes the Gers supporter is also brought to justice. Ibrox fans have started an online campaign to name the offender and Steven Gerrard was also quick to condemn the behaviour after the match.

Dallas hopes it’s an isolated incident after admitting it could have been more serious – as it was in Austria earlier this season during a Europa League tie.

Swedish assistant referee Fredrik Klyver couldn’t continue after being struck by a can while running the line in Sturm Graz’s match against Cypriots Larnaca.

Ex-FIFA whistler Dallas, in Madrid for a UEFA VAR seminar, said of Sunday’s incident: “Thankfully the young assistant