The controversial linesman who failed to spot a Rangers penalty which saw Alfredo Morelos controversially booked for diving will run the line in the weekend’s Old Firm match.
Linesman Frank Connor drew the ire of Rangers boss Steven Gerrard in the aftermath of the match, with the Gers gaffer seeing red following a clash with referee John Beaton over the decision.
Connor will run the line at Parkhead in Sunday’s clash whilst Willie Collum – another referee Rangers have had run-ins with – takes charge of the game.
Sean Carr is the other linesman and Kevin Clancy – yet another referee shrouded in controversy at Ibrox – will be the fourth official.
But it’s the appointment of Connor – who didn’t give the penalty despite being in line with the decision – which will attract much of the criticism.
Gerrard fumed at Connor and all of the officials after the 1-0 win at Livingston earlier this month as he was probed on the red card which was shown to him at half time in the match.
“It’s a blatant penalty, it’s a stonewaller,” said Gerrard [Sky Sports].
“I’m someone who wants to support officials because we are all human, and we will make a mistake
“But what I can’t stand for at this level is three people making the same mistake. They all had clear views of it. I could see it and I’m the furthest away.
“There are three officials at this level who all got it wrong together – I can’t have that. I asked for an explanation and he refused to speak to me. I think I’m entitled to a conversation but obviously not.
“You are talking about officials at a top level of the game.
“The linesman is looking straight at it with nothing in his way. The fourth official is looking straight at it with nothing in his way, because I was behind him and I could see it clear. And the referee is right on top of him.
“I’ll go with a mistake from one of them but not three. It’s not right, it’s not fair. It’s a stonewaller and it’s bang out of order.”
Rangers will be hoping to extend their unbeaten run this season at Celtic Park this weekend as they enter the home of their rivals as Champions.
Celtic’s continuing saltiness over 55 has been of great amusement to Rangers fans and the best is very much still to come.
