Keith Hackett: This is what Willie Collum will think about ex-Hearts player refereeing Celtic game
Keith Hackett believes that SFA refereeing boss Willie Collum will have a firm stance on Sean Murdoch taking charge of the second half of Celtic’s win over Falkirk on Wednesday.
The former PGMOL general manager and ex-FIFA referee has exclusively told Football Insider that ex-Hearts man Murdoch will have been appointed with the confidence that he could referee the clash in case of injury to John Beaton.
Falkirk hosted Celtic on Wednesday night as the visitors aimed to take all three points and stay within touching distance of league leaders Hearts.
John McGlynn’s side did not make it easy for the champions, but Celtic came away with a 1-0 win against Falkirk as Benjamin Nygren’s first-half header was enough to seal a victory.
It was a drab affair as both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances, but one aspect of the game certainly stood out as Murdoch replaced referee Beaton at the break.
Murdoch had to replace Beaton at half-time in Celtic’s win over Falkirk
Murdoch came through Hearts’ academy and featured for the likes of Hamilton Academical, Accrington Stanley, Hibernian and Dunfermline Athletic throughout a 14-year playing career.
He had already achieved a refereeing qualification by the time of his 2019 retirement, and has since officiated in the Scottish lower leagues, as well as in the Premiership.
Murdoch had not taken charge of a Premiership game as a referee before Wednesday’s clash, but he was thrown into the deep end at half time as Beaton suffered an injury and had to switch places with him as the fourth official.
He had little to do in a goalless second period, but Celtic have been involved in controversy involving Beaton before, and questions could have been asked of the SFA if former Hearts man Murdoch had been involved in an incident that meant the Hoops dropped points.
Hackett backs Collum’s ‘confidence’ after Murdoch appointed to Celtic clash
Murdoch will not have been expecting to make his Premiership refereeing bow at the Falkirk Stadium, but he took to the pitch in the top flight for the first time as an official, after making 13 appearances in the division as a player.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former PGMOL chief and FIFA referee Hackett insisted that SFA refs boss Collum will have had no qualms in handing Murdoch the fourth official job, with the chance of him overseeing a game involving Celtic.
He said: “(It is) disappointing that the referee John Beaton has had to come off in the game.
“Sean Murdoch has had an extensive football career. Tonight’s experience of having to take over and officiate will be a memory that will last with him for the rest of his life.
“Willie Collum, the Head of Refereeing, had the confidence to appoint him to this game, and there is always a risk of injury. That is the nature of sport.
“I hope he (delivered) a performance with confidence and accuracy.”