REFEREES’ chief Willie Collum has backed Nick Walsh’s decision not to dismiss Auston Trusty following the flashpoint incident with Jack Butland in Celtic’s 3-1 Premier Sports League Cup semi-final win 11 days ago.
There was a coming-together with the Hoops defender and the grounded Rangers keeper that sparked furious protests from the Ibrox players who demanded a red card for the USA international.
Walsh booked Trusty and VAR official Steven McLean didn’t advise a review – with their decision based on Trusty’s kick lacking the necessary “force or malice”.
Collum is believed to support the whistler’s decision, according to a report in the Scottish Sun.
FLASHPOINT…Nick Walsh books Auston Trusty while opposition players call for a red.
The Ibrox club demanded immediate talks with the SFA afterwards and then claimed they were not satisfied with the outcome.
The Govan hierarchy have now called for a second meeting after the Key Match Independent panel decided Trusty should have seen red.
However, Walsh and McLean have Collum’s backing over the big decision in the first-half of the holders’ extra-time victory that sealed a place in the Premier Sports League Cup Final against St Mirren at Hampden on Sunday December 14.
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