'Tis the season to be jolly, apparently.
But there’s not much merriment on the Hotline as referees, the SPFL computer, the Killie board and even Formula One chief Michael Masi all found themselves in the firing line.
Whistler Euan Anderson stood accused of denying Motherwell a stonewall penalty against Celtic when Tony Watt fell in the box while across the M8 Nick Walsh was slammed for failing to award Hearts a spot kick against Rangers after Connor Goldson handled.
The Jambos were also reduced to 10 men when Josh Ginnelly picked up a second booking for wading into a spot of handbags with 10 minutes to go.
Season to be jolly? More like deck the calls with rows and folly.
Starting at Celtic Park and Chris Lowe, Yoker, said: “Another weekend, another game changing decision goes Celtic‘s way with Motherwell now added to the increasing list of teams denied a stonewaller at Parkhead. Imagine the fallout if these decisions had gone against Celtic. Get VAR in now.”
Alan Milligan emailed: “Are referees now terrified of awarding penalties for away teams at Parkhead? That’s Dundee United, Livingston and Motherwell who have all been denied stone wall spot kicks in recent weeks. Will this be raised at their next AGM?”
Turning attention to Tynecastle, Brian McColligan emailed: “Has Nick Walsh ever refereed a Rangers game when the opposition finished with 11 men still on the park?”
But Andy Adams, Kirkcaldy, said: “Yes, VAR would've given a penalty against Goldson. But maybe they would've checked to see if the ball went out first, As for Ginnelly, what did it have to do with him anyway? He was a fool getting involved in something that was nothing to do with him, he knew he was on a yellow.”
On to the actual football and Ian McDonald, Innerleithen, said: “Hearts need a proven goal score asap. Boyce misses too many chances and there’s no other decent striker in the squad. That aside the the goalies on Sunday are still up there with the best anywhere.”
Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach, agreed saying: “Allan McGregor keeps turning back the clock - another outstanding superb performance on Sunday. He was unbeatable, lightning quick reflexes, age doesn’t seem to weary him and i'd say there's no one better in England or Europe at this moment in time.”
But soon it was back to the sniping.
And Kevin Monaghan, Nottingham, said: “Can your pundits comment on yet another 'honest mistake' or 'computer glitch' by SPFL. From mid December until Boxing Day the current league leaders play three consecutive home league games, whikst another certain team have three consecutive away league games. What other country would allow this?”
Killie fan Scott Thomas is furious after his side’s 1-0 defeat at Raith Rovers saw them slip to fourth in the table. He emailed: “The problems are not just stemming from Tommy Wright - it’s time Billy Bowie and his stooges on the board moved on so someone who knows how to run a football club can come in. They’ve made too many disastrous decisions since Stevie Clarke left.”
And the fury wasn’t exclusive to football either. Alan Lough, Dunbar, is seething over the dramatic climax to the F1 season and director Michael Masi’s last lap safety car directive which allowed Max Verstappen to overtake Lewis Hamilton and pip the Englishman to the title.
Alan blasted: “Masi has destroyed any integrity he ever had and also that of F1 racing. An absolute disgrace. Max Verstappen should do the only decent thing and surrender the title to Lewis Hamilton but even this wouldn't make up for the farce that took place in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.”
