Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believes Don Robertson acted correctly by bringing Celtic’s title decider against Hearts to an immediate conclusion after Callum Osmand’s late goal sparked a pitch invasion.
Questions had been raised over why play did not resume following Celtic’s third goal in the closing seconds of the dramatic 3-1 victory at Celtic Park.
However, the SPFL later clarified that Robertson officially ended the match rather than abandoning it.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, Gallagher explained the referee was under no requirement to restart proceedings once the decisive goal had been scored and supporters entered the field.
“When the free-kick is played, Hearts had a free-kick and if they’d scored from that free-kick, they’re going to win the league because it would have been 2-2,” Gallagher said.
“That gets played out, Celtic attacked three-on-none because the goalkeeper’s up.
“At that point, they’re just about to finish and when Osmand put the ball in the net, the referee said that’s game over, there’s no obligation to restart the game.”
Gallagher also praised Robertson for prioritising the safety of players and officials amid the chaotic scenes that followed the goal.
“The fans invaded, and I think the clever thing was Don Robertson got him and his officials out of the way,” he added. “And he’s probably said to the police, ‘game is over, that’s it. It’s up to you what you do on the pitch, I just want the players off safely.’”
Conor Spence
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