Rangers expert makes ‘huge’ claim after what he spotted v Aberdeen – ‘it makes you angry’
Alan Hutton has hailed referee Nick Walsh for trying to hurry up the ball boys in Aberdeen’s 2-0 win over Rangers on Sunday (23 April).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Gers defender said he used to encourage ball boys to waste time when he was playing and understands how frustrating it can be.
Speaking after the victory, Dons manager Barry Robson said the game at Pittodrie at the weekend was the first time he has heard a referee attempt to hurry up the ball boys.
The home side went 2-0 up against the Gers with half an hour left to play and did everything possible to prevent the visitors from getting back into the game, including time wasting.
Hutton insisted Robson knew exactly what his team were doing.
“It happens all the time,” he told Football Insider.
“Barry Robson might sit there and say he had no idea it was going on but I am pretty sure that he would have known it was going on.
“The amount of time that you take to put the ball back in, we have all done it as footballers. We have all wasted time and told the ball boys to calm down and relax, do not give it to me yet.
“I used to take the throw ins, so if you were trying to waste time you would walk over, go past the ball and everybody does it.
“It does need to be quicker. We talk about trying to change the game, making sure the ball is in play for longer.
“I understand from Aberdeen’s point of view, that is a huge result for them so I get they want to waste time. But when you are on the receiving end it does make you angry.
“But the referee did the right thing.“
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