Celtic news: Ex-Fifa official demands significant change as Postecoglou fumes over controversy
Keith Hackett has called for the Scottish Premiership to introduce an independent time-keeper after Ange Postecoglou criticised Hibs’ tactics during their 0-0 draw with Celtic yesterday (27 February).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee claimed stoppage time is usually a “joke” not respected by players and an independent time-keeper would stop that.
Postecoglou told Sky Sports after his side’s draw at Easter Road that he was “not a fan” of Hibs’ stop-start tactics.
Referee Kevin Clancy added six minutes on at the end of the game but continued playing beyond that by a further two minutes.
“We’ve had this discussion about time delay before,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“They played on for a long time so I think the referee was aware of it. In fairness to the Scottish referees, I think they are better at it than English referees.
“I do think the game at the highest level should bring in independent time-keepers.
“The defender sees the board up and thinks ‘Five minutes, where have they got that from?’ Nobody actually buys into added time. It becomes a bit of a joke.
“At the professional level, an independent time-keeper would have an impact. The fans would know they are getting the right amount of added time. It will take that debate away.”
Celtic remain three points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership despite the draw as Rangers had to settle for a point against Motherwell at Ibrox.
The Hoops are next in action when they host St. Mirren on Wednesday (2 March).
In other news, Danny Mills has dropped a ‘massive’ verdict on Rangers ‘stopping Celtic’ after news last week.