BY ALAN TEMPLE – Capital City Press
Celtic will hope Vladislav Bezborodov does not oversee another Scandinavian nightmare for a Scottish side after the controversial Russian was placed in charge of their Europa League clash against Molde.
The 42-year-old referee, who was previously a professional footballer with Zenit St Petersburg, was the man in the middle when Rangers crashed out of the Champions League with a 2-1 aggregate defeat against Malmo in 2011.
Bezborodov sent off Steven Whittaker and Madjid Bougherra during a humbling night for the Gers in Sweden, while Ricardinho was dismissed for the hosts in a fractious encounter.
However, Celtic have happier memories of the official. He took charge of their 0-0 draw against Elfsborg in 2013 which ensured they progressed to the Champions League play-off round with a 1-0 aggregate win.
Bezborodov also famously found himself caught up in controversy in 2010 when he awarded Chelsea a penalty in their 1-0 defeat to Marseille – only to change his mind.
He initially believed Souleymane Diawara had tripped Florent Malouda in the penalty area but made a sensational U-turn following advice from his assistant referee.
