The job of referee has a kind of inverse relationship between popularity and career progress. Willie Collum has been at the centre of this season’s three major controversies. He was referee on two occasions when his assistants failed to notice Celtic conceded a goal in crucial league games against Rangers and Hearts (on each occasion the ball crossed the line by inches and remained there for a small fraction of a second).
There is very little a ref can do when his assistant doesn’t flag when the ball crosses the goal line, as we all know, but Collum still suffered reputational damage from some who simply blamed him for being in charge when ‘goals’ against Celtic were not awarded by assistant referees.
It takes a brave decision for a ref to award an injury time penalty for a team losing by a goal in a cup final. As we noted yesterday, Anthony Stokes clearly had his ankle clipped when clean through with Cammy Bell to beat on Sunday while the Kilmarnock defender never came close to the ball. This was a foul any day of the week, but having been in charge when Celtic benefited from assistant referee decisions, Collum booked Stokes instead of awarding a penalty.
This incident was almost identical to Collum’s decision not to award Celtic a penalty in the infamous game away to Hamilton Accies in 2011. With five minutes of the game remaining Niall McGinn was tripped inside the box but Collum booked the player.
The offside rule was subject to a new and unique interpretation that day. Hamilton ‘scored’ from a set piece with a player alone inside the six yard box who jumped over the ball. He was in an offside position by several yards and stood in front of Fraser Forster before allowing the ball to pass under him. Collum also sent off James Forrest for blocking a clearance in an incident which caused a Hamilton player to kick his boot.
All of this followed the infamous incident at Celtic Park when despite looking the other way, Collum awarded Rangers a penalty when Kirk Broadfoot stumbled in the vicinity of Daniel Majstorovic.
Without enjoying the light of robust critical analysis of refereeing decisions that happens in most other countries I’m not sure where we go with any of this. Celtic Quick News called both ‘goal’ incidents against Rangers and Hearts as assistant referee mistakes so it is only appropriate we record Mr Collum’s significant mistakes when refereeing Celtic, while we ponder the formula for career progression among Scotland’s referees.
I know we covered the issue of Duff and Phelps needing to talk-up any possibility of nullifying Ticketus ownership of future season tickets, Craig Whyte’s security over Ibrox of HMRC being prepared to accept a few pennies in the pound (before HMRC issued a rare statement about the important of paying your tax, “football club or not”), so apologies for repeating myself, but….
Duff and Phelps have agreed no deal with HMRC. Ticketus retain ownership of future season tickets and the recent court challenge appears to offer little threat, while Craig Whyte retains his security. In addition, Duff and Phelps have received no offer for Rangers with terms which are within their control.
So, apart from having no offers they can accept, no stadium to sell, no control over future season ticket sales, no agreement with HMRC and having absolutely no idea what they will do when player contracts revert to their full value on 1 June, Duff and Phelps job is pretty easy.
Right now they need to keep all their plates in the air. The very least we should do is cut them some slack as they endeavour to work the angles.
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Paul67
Sorry l have never seen this explanation. No worries.
More power to your key board.
KTF
Mtt
James Forrest
Again I have purchased this months magazine and await it dropping through my letter box. Had a wee peek online to get a feel for content and once again it looks top quality but until you see it in print you don’t get a true feel for how high quality it is.
I have one small gripe about it this month however. I am aware of how topical the Huns situation is but for me there is way to much attention and focus on them in this months magazine to the detriment of the few Celtic related articles in the magazine. Looking forward to next months in hope that the focus is more on us than them no matter their predicament.
MWD
Brogan Rogan Trevino and Hogan supports Kano 1000 on 20 March, 2012 at 10:34 said:
Sir, I salute you. A quite outstanding contribution. As the voice of Homer Simpson on my Tomtom telss me when I reach my destination, “You are a genius!”
Thank you!
Sir Paul
Ah dinna think that Collum, is oot tae get us.
Ah think the Collum…. is jist no very guid at his Joab.
We Loast agin the Killie, because oor Players are no very
technically gifted…and agin the Killie.. That.. Showed!…meanin’…
They Stunk/ Stank!
They couldnae Score a Goal…”tae save themselves..” and, agin’ the Killie…they jist proved the truth o’ that auld Aphorism!
My dear auld Economics Professor.. the Fey.. Prof. Skeetzick.. always said.
” Whenever one is presented with a Problem.. First.. Blame the Problem.. while, ye try tae figure oot .. the Answer!!”
Blame the Ref…… Yep.. that wull dae fur an Answer…until.. ye kin figure oot.. whit Ah already know~
“It’s the Celtic Players’ fault.. My dear Virginia!”
Celtic Need…
A Real Live Reliable .. Goal- TAKER!
Noo. sure, we hiv plenty o’ Goal- Scorers.. they are ten a Penny.
Howevahhhhhhhh..
Celtic dinna have an Honest tae Guidness..
“Goal Taker!”
Fur.. as the auld saying goes:
“Show me a Team who canny score the Easy Wans.. and Ah’ll
show you.. a Team who Is Jist Crying oot.. tae.. Be Defeated!”
and..oan Sunday.
Celtic Proved that auld saying..
In Spades , Hearts, Diamonds..and Clubs!
Kojo
Still Laughin’, Though!
Anyway Paul, FF stopped Lee Wallaces attempt 1mm before the whole ball crossed the line!
Moonbeams:
There are two things here really, first is that if I thought we had repeated ourselves at any point I would have been concerned with how much coverage that issue got. But the guys who contributed came at the issue from a number of different angles, which kept it fresh. I think we tackled almost every aspect of their crisis, from the intervention of the politicians to the behaviour of the SFA … so overall, I thought it worked.
Secondly though, and most importantly, because neither Paul nor I wants to impose some kind of “editorial policy” on the writers, we publish what the guys want to write about at any given time. This month, people wanted to talk about the problems facing Rangers. In the next issue, we will be celebrating the return of the league trophy, and I would expect that to be something the guys want to talk about …
The content belongs to you guys. If there’s an issue you want to explore, then write it up and we’ll publish it. We couldn’t do any of this without you.
timbhoy2- Yawn!
What’s the prognosis for the clubs on football’s sick list?
There are a few crackers in this report, which covers cash strapped clubs in England and Scotland.
“If the administrator’s glass is half full at Port Vale and half empty at Pompey, it is sometimes hard to tell if the administrators even have a glass at Rangers. In fact, it is hard to tell if they are even administrators. ”
“There is one other point worth making about D&P’s outsider status, however: no Scottish firms wanted the work because they feared for their windows.”
“So, apart from having no offers they can accept, no stadium to sell, no control over future season ticket sales, no agreement with HMRC and having absolutely no idea what they will do when player contracts revert to their full value on 1 June, Duff and Phelps job is pretty easy.”
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
when we look at it like this, the league cup final defeat is a mere drop in the vast ocean of despair. I just dont know if i want them liquidated now to prove a point or to stumble and stammer for another few months yet. Probably i prefer the latter.
Livibhoy@12-41
I thought Forrest started the game well on the right and we forced he pace on that side.
The decision to move him to the left caused me not to notice him for most of first half.
Shield had a better and more consistent game plan.
Our coaches need to simplify and find a system that is more positive.
We have a lot of possession but too much in negative areas thanks to our sideways and backwards passing.
Gordon Smith tells of Craig Whyte Champions League exit ‘panic’
Ex-director Gordon Smith says Rangers owner Craig Whyte panicked after this season’s Champions League exit
BBC
No kiddin Sherlock!!!!
AweNaw
I’ve been away for the last hour. Are you working through your (vinyl) record collection?
One thing we all have to accept is that NL is still very green (in more ways than one). He has never managed any team before and now he is charged with managing one of the most high pressure jobs in world football – on top of all the other pressures he is coping admirably with. He will have success and failure. He must be given time to learn from his mistakes and grow wiser. It may take a few years but I’d say he is not doing too bad considering.
On Sunday, Kenny Shiels got it right and had luck on his side. I say well done to him and his team.
To NL, I say, put it behind you, learn, grow and move on. If NL learns as he should from each of his mistakes then I have great confidence that in a few years time we will see a Celtic team which will be truly great.
Kojo
I can’t tell if collum is good or not?
He is consistent when refereeing Celtic.
Does this mean he is good?
My opinion is that his cowardice makes him the ref he is.
He understands the way things are in Scotland and has taken the easier career choice
Gordon_J
Very interesting article. I was particuarly interested to see a reference to possible contempt of court by the adminstrators. Do you know anything about this?
neveralone on 20 March, 2012 at 12:55 said:
I agree with your analysis of Kelvin. I have no idea why he was in there on Sunday.
fan-a-tic on 20 March, 2012 at 13:07 said:
We all see things differently. I thought the young fella dropped out of the game and the plan on Sunday appeared to be give him the ball and there was no plan B. Commons may be for the off but he is an experienced international player and should have been thrown on. Sami should be battering the managers door down asking why he was dropped after scoring 2 the previous game.
Very strange decisions. Fair play to Killie they took their chance and their keeper was excellent.
I feel heart sorry for Liam Kelly losing his father. Horrible situation. Hope Celtic have a presence at the funeral. Poor lad must be really hurting.
LB
Gordon_J backing Neil Lennon – “If the administrator’s glass is half full at Port Vale and half empty at Pompey, it is sometimes hard to tell if the administrators even have a glass at Rangers. In fact, it is hard to tell if they are even administrators. ”
Did Craig Whyte sell the bottle of Lucozade from the trophy room? (thumbsup)
James Forrest
I understand that. But there were 3 or 4 Celtic related articles which were given lesser profile than the Huns admin stuff (which looks interesting – haven’t read it yet as I await my copy). First half+ of mag is given over to the Huns, editorial apart, and I just felt being a Celtic mag giving a wee bit more profile to the Celtic articles would have been good by allowing them more prominence in the earlier pages.
Just my opinion. Not being overly critical as I think you guys and all who contribute do an outstanding job.
MWD
SaintLubo on 20 March, 2012 at 13:12 said:
Neil Lennon had a court case where people have attempted to murder him and a funeral of a close friend this week.
Does he still need an arm around him from a more experienced manager? What Neil has had to endure the last few years beggars belief but he got it all wrong on Sunday. I have said it before and I will say it again. What do the other coaches bring to the party?
LB
LiviBhoy
Echo your thoughts on Liam Kelly. Tragic end what otherwise would have been a wonderful day for dad & son.
We should show our support to the Kelly family at Rugby Park on 7th April.
as a fellow tim has said,celtic were a poor side on sunday .in fact if we are honest ,we are not very good. i have watched celtic very carefully be it at home .away or on the telly these last 3 seasons .we are an average side,with a manager at times who makes a lot of bad changes to the team ,the killie game on sunday just 1 example ,no im afraid big changes are needed on players and the management,.so i say forget about rangers because im sure we need to critizes our club at times and not be boot lickers
Bobby Evans Superstar
I am working my way through the recesses of my mind for songs about the meedjia
Seems appropriate today
Hail Hail
AweNaw
Enjoying your posts
I must admit to not being too impressed with the assistant coaches. I don’t really see them as being real football brains. But what do I know?
Obviously I am biased towards Lubo, my personal favourite in the hoops (of recent years) but I was wondering what he is doing now. He always struck me as having a real football brain and might make an excellent coach.
I read posts that are contributed to this magnificent site every day, that are more thoroughly researched, informative, factual and trustworthy than anything I’ve had the misfortune to read in any laughable Scottish sports page.
Another fine contribution today from Brogan Rogan Trevino and Hogan has simply reinforced that view.
I think I am beginning to nurture more disdain for our Scottish MSM than I do for THAT club. Then again – maybe not.
Goldstar at least i have something to say,you are just happy to watch an average side Yawn
hoopeddreams,
No idea, I’m afraid. There could have been some sort of warning given to them not to talk about things discussed during the various cases – but that’s a total guess.
james forrest
regarding the huns situation
for me the celtic internet blog team have worked wonders and have led the way in the rangers financial implosion in the country with the truth. It is a massive subject and mainstream media ignored it for months on end. Dont ever stop that or it will ease the way for the redtops and the phone ins to cloud the situation and weasle a way out for them
The old “not the view” was a voice for the malcontents under the old board, the timternet is the celtic media of this current situation and has shaped opinion that wouldnot otherwise have been impossible to do, relying instead on keevins and jackson for the latest
They can fool some of the people all of the time……but they couldnt fool some of the people ever
(not forgetting we are just about to clinch the title either of course)
The p1sh the establishment come out with never ceases to amaze me. There is contact but is it nice contact or naughty contact. ffs!
But ex-official Dougal reckons the whistler was spot on to book Anthony Stokes for diving after the tackle by Michael Nelson of Kilmarnock.
He said: “It was excellent refereeing. It was a very good decision. The referee doesn’t just have to ascertain whether there has been contact, he has to work out if there has been illegal contact, enough contact to take the players’ legs away.
“The fact that Anthony Stokes takes another step with his right foot after the challenge suggests that was not the case.
“Was there contact on the back of his leg? Possibly. But I didn’t see enough contact to trip Stokes.
“He took another step after it. I would say he threw himself down to try and win a penalty.”
saint lubo
I think he works part time in
his own country as a scout
for celtic
My dear,dear,dear,friend.. Fan a tic…@ 13.14
Pal.. Ah have no doubt in Ma Mind that Collum
is jist .. No Guid at his Joab..
And He is.. CONSISTENT .. in being.. jist .. THAT!
He does not consciously go oot tae mak things tough fur Us.
And there are Miny another Ref in the S.P.L. who are also
poor Workmen.
Celtic , hiv fur years suffered at the Hauns of
POOR REFEREEING..
That is Ma Opinion..and Ah am sticking tae It.
Sure, Some Referees Do.. and Hiv Done.. and wull Continue tae Dae… GUID TURNS fur the G.A.
Ah hiv seen that ,happen..
Howevahhhhhhh..
But, Agin’ the Killie?
Nay.. Pal… No chance.
Noo , in the Upcomin’ Game agin the G.A.
Ah widnae be surprised, if the Ref .. in THAT GAME..
Cut a Few Corners .. in order, tae Help the G.A.
But, agin.. the Killie?
Nay.. Nay. a Thousand Times .. Nay!
Kojo
yer pal…who likes ye aloater.
Still.. Laughin’
I have to say, BRTH surpassed even his own magnificent standards with that post today. Breathtaking.
Hat off too to Paul for his own inspired piece.
That the same media who lauded Murray, who praised Whyte and have defended the indefensible are now shilling for a deal which involves Paul Murray – a director who, like Ogilvie, is mounting a defence for inaction which basically boils down to being deaf, dumb, blind and stupid – and Ticketus is magnificent.
They have learned nothing at all. They allowed the “second biggest institution after the church” to fall into the hands of a man who is either a criminal mastermind, a rank incompetent or a Celtic supporter engaged in the most glorious wind-up in history, because they didn’t want to dig too deep or look too hard, and in doing so brought the club to the brink of collapse.
The Paul Murray “deal” appears to be getting similar treatment; no scrutiny, the green light, a compliant band of happy clappers and all the while, anyone from the outside who looks at it can tell, even without real study or scrutiny, that it stinks like a kid’s dirty nappy … It’s mind-blowing … and gratifying.
Those who will not learn from history and destined to repeat it.
So on it goes ….
I think you will now see the rapid rise of Willie Collum as the premier referee in Scotland,he will get the majority of cup finals and Rangers games, he will be the go to man just like Bobby Davidson and John Gordon in the past.
AweNaw Following your theme (but taking awee bit of a liberty)….
Taxman.
Written by George Harrison – 1966
Lyrics revised – 2012
Let me tell you how it will be
Declare your taxes and pay to me
‘Cause I’m the taxman, yeah, I’m the taxman
Should the millions you owe appear too small
Doesn’t matter, I’ll take it all
‘Cause I’m the taxman, yeah I’m the taxman
Mr. Whyte, can you take the heat?
Season tickets? I’ll tax your seats.
In the courts we’re soon to meet,
You can’t buy a player, ’cause I’ll tax their feet.
Don’t ask me what I want it for
If you don’t want to pay, I’ll fine you more
‘Cause I’m the taxman, yeah, I’m the taxman
Now my advice for those who lie
Pay your taxes or your club will die
‘Cause I’m the taxman, yeah, I’m the taxman
And you’ll answer to no one but me.
Disclaimer: Comments above are not necessarily that of George Harrison, The Beatles or the Apple Corporation
Timabhouy, has he directed any good players our way? Was he involved with the Twarzik twins coming to timdom? My old man says at least one of them is an excellent player.
Well, we me be moving this game up a gear…
Alex Thomson….
‘At 86 former Rangers director Hugh Adam may be hard of hearing, but hard of recollection and understanding he most definitely is not…’
More later
Or may be, even
soukous on 20 March, 2012 at 13:32 said:
I think you will now see the rapid rise of Willie Collum as the premier referee in Scotland,he will get the majority of cup finals and Rangers games…
___________________________________________
After this season, he may not have any Rangers games to referee