Ex-Fifa official hits back as Celtic and Rangers bias claim made
Keith Hackett has insisted referees do not subconsciously react to Celtic and Rangers fans.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted officials are only concentrating on getting the next decision right.
Ex-referee Charlie Richmond told footballscotland last week (13 July) that there is a subconscious reaction when officiating at Ibrox or Celtic Park.
He insisted that referees are not intimidated by the atmosphere at either ground.
“First of all, while Charlie Richmond was a category one referee he never refereed an Old Firm derby,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“When there is a big game and you are going to officiate a big game the concentration is nothing to do with the fans.
“The concentration is fixed firmly on the game and getting the next decision right.
“This subconscious thing, fans do not influence referees.
“My view is quite clear, referees prepare and prepare well. They are focused on the game in hand.
“The concentration is on the decision and there is no influence from the spectators.
“We’ve watched a number of Scottish referees and Old Firm derbies and I’ve been generally very impressed with the referees in Scotland.
“I’ve said before that the standard of officiating, believe it or not, is better than what we see in the Premier League.
“I take a view of applauding the Scottish FA for the work they’ve been doing and not criticising.
“I’ve seen no indication anywhere that fans have influenced the referees in Scotland.”
In other news, the SFA have been told to launch a probe as Celtic and Rangers are set for an unprecedented development.