BBC Sportfootball

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Related BBC sites

Page last updated at 12:25 GMT, Monday, 5 October 2009 13:25 UK

Ref Thomson admits Old Firm error

Craig Thomson books Shaun Maloney
Maloney had two penalty claims denied and was booked for simulation

Referee Craig Thomson has admitted he made a mistake in not giving a 12th-minute penalty to Celtic in Sunday's Old Firm derby against Rangers.

Shaun Maloney was pulled down by David Weir with his side one goal behind in a game they went on to lose 2-1.

Scottish FA referee chief Hugh Dallas was pleased with Thomson's overall display in the Old Firm derby at Ibrox.

But Dallas said: "He is disappointed at his error of judgement when he decided against awarding a penalty."

Thomson went on to book winger Maloney for simulation following a further, similar challenge by Weir that led to strong claims for a penalty.

The referee also booked Celtic's Mark Wilson, accusing the full-back of a dive following a challenge in the penalty area by Sasa Papac.

I think that it says a lot for the character and professionalism of Craig that he has been more than willing to hold his hands up on this one

Scottish FA head of referee development Hugh Dallas

Inbetween those two incidents, Thomson had awarded a penalty to Celtic after Papac had upended Zheng Zhi, with Aiden McGeady scoring from the penalty spot to bring Celtic back into the match at 2-1.

"Taking charge of an Old Firm game is both high profile and challenging," said Dallas.

"Referees are well aware that their performance will be judged on calling the major decisions correctly.

"Craig and I have had our post match de-brief.

"Whilst I would compliment Craig for his overall handling of yesterday's encounter, he is disappointed at his error of judgement when he decided against awarding a penalty to the visiting team in the 12th minute.

MY SPORT: DEBATE

"Our referees are fitter than they have ever been and our referees are better prepared for matches than they have ever been.

"We are working each and every day with our top officials to make sure that they are in a position to get the big calls right.

"However, mistakes are part and parcel of football. I think that it says a lot for the character and professionalism of Craig that he has been more than willing to hold his hands up on this one."



Print Sponsor


see also
Mowbray riled by defensive errors
04 Oct 09 |  Celtic
Smith's joy at Old Firm victory
04 Oct 09 |  Rangers
Rangers 2-1 Celtic
04 Oct 09 |  Scottish Premier


related bbc links:

related internet links:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites