Bobby Madden has revealed that a match between St Mirren and Celtic 10 years ago was his worst as a referee - and it almost ruined a stag do.
The clash on Easter Sunday 2013 that finished 1-1 was marred in controversy. He chalked off a Buddies goal for a foul on Hoops goalkeeper Fraser Forster, a penalty decision for an apparent handball by Giorgos Samaras was missed, Victor Wanyama was sent packing for what appeared a flick at Paul McGowan and St Mirren were awarded a spot-kick when no touch on Isma Goncalves was evident.
It was a game that finished 1-1 and Celtic boss at the time Neil Lennon called it "by far the most appalling refereeing performance" he'd seen up to that point that season "by a long, long way." Appearing on Sportsound following his retirement from refereeing, Madden has admitted it was a bad day that almost ruined a friend's stag-do. He said: "2013, St Mirren vs Celtic on Easter Sunday, that is the game I underperformed. I think there is three major errors and it was such a disappointing day for me.
"Colin Steven - a current referee - had a stag-do that night and it was in Dundee. Why anybody would have a stag-do in Dundee I don't know but I had to motivate myself after understanding my performance was below the expected level.
"I went home and sat there, sitting thinking how do I manage to motivate myself to go to this night out. I managed to go and had a good night, but I had a conversation with John Fleming, who was in charge at the time.
"People say referees don't get punished for poor performances. I spoke to John and said to him it was best for me to focus on performing to a better standard and being set up for next season."
