Ex-Fifa official: SFA told to make key behind-the-scenes hire amid official Celtic and Rangers claim
The Scottish FA should hire a psychologist for their referees if they are subconsciously affected by the atmospheres at Celtic and Rangers.
That is the view of ex-Uefa and Premier League referee, speaking exclusively to Football Insider after it was claimed that Celtic and Rangers fans can impact officials.
Former Scottish top-flight whistler Charlie Richmond told footballscotland last Wednesday (13 July) that officials have a “subconscious” reaction to Ibrox and Celtic Park.
He also admitted the atmosphere will make referees “think twice” before making a decision.
It comes after ex-manager Craig Levein insisted on BBC Sportsound last month (18 June) that the Old Firm clubs benefit from decisions when at home.
“One thing I would reiterate is that I brought in sports psychologists to improve, from my time as a referee, the modern referee,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“There were various aspects of psychology we used, dealing with pressure, body language, improved communication and how to deal with conflict. All those things came into the scenario.
“Certainly one of those things was concentration.
“When anybody makes a comment about the psychology of a referee they’ve got to be on solid ground.
“It’s a sports psychologist that will give you a feed-in and prepare the referees accordingly.”
Celtic kick off their Scottish Premiership season with the visit of Aberdeen at the end of this month (31 July).
Rangers are in action at St Johnstone the day before and Kilmarnock are the first team to visit Ibrox the following week (6 August).
In other news, the SFA have been told to launch a probe as Celtic and Rangers are set for an unprecedented development.