Why Grant Irvine should never referee another Celtic match

Grant Irvine refereed his first ever Celtic match yesterday, the SFA opted for a fairly low profile debut with the hoops at home to a bottom six side in a match that wasn’t likely to throw up much controversy.

It should be the last time Irvine gets near a top flight match, if he enjoys refereeing, loves the game he can get Lowland League fixtures to pick up some weekend pocket money.

With UEFA and FIFA ignoring Scottish officials since Willie Collum’s brief visit to the European Championships in 2016 it seems that the SFA are keen to push and promote younger officials. Apparently regardless of ability or knowledge of Laws of the Game.

Under Crawford Allan it seems that having two surnames is a big consideration for reaching the top, the big match fees, very generous expenses and some midweek European jollies with big hitters like Collum, John Beaton, Nick Walsh and Kevin Clancy.

Last season Irvine refereed nine Premiership matches, yesterday’s match was his second top flight game this season.

Irvine can’t be faulted for his positioning, perhaps he is too close to the ball and could interfere with play but as Daizen Maeda plays the ball into the penalty area he has a clear, unobstructed view, about eight yards in front of him with the two players involved getting closer.

It was straightforward to see when contact was made. Irvine had a clear view but obviously his instinct wasn’t to award Celtic a penalty. He could have given a free kick right outside the 18 yard line and got the benefit of the doubt but in his opinion contact was made just more than a foot outside the penalty box.

Fortunately VAR, a call from Steven Kirkland ensured that justice was done, that Irvine’s error was corrected.

Clearly a vital match involving the league leaders is a responsibility too far for Irvine, Crawford Allan will surely demote him back to a level in keeping with his lack of ability and find another rising star with decent eye sight.