Willie Collum & David McGeachie land glamour Europa League clash just days after Motherwell v Inverness controversy

BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport

THE officials caught up in Saturday’s ghost goal storm at Fir Park have landed a crucial Europa League quarter-final tie.

Willie Collum will take charge of Genk’s second leg against Celta Vigo in Belgium on Thursday night, with the contest delicately poised at 3-2 to the Spaniards following last week’s encounter at the Estadio Balaidos.

Collum’s team for the glamour tie will include assistant referee David McGeachie, just days after the pair were at the heart of the controversy during Motherwell’s pivotal 4-2 win over relegation rivals Inverness.

With the score level at 2-2, Scott McDonald headed off the inside of the post from close range before keeper Owain Fon Williams scooped the ball clear. However, McGeachie flagged for Collum to give the goal, sparking fury in the Highlanders’ ranks.

Caley boss Richie Foran fumed: “It kills us. You have got to be 100 per cent correct and he was obviously wrong. He has played a big part in the outcome of this game.

“It won’t affect the linesman. He’s not going to phone me during the week and apologise, he will just get on with it. He has made a mistake, doesn’t understand the consequences for us.”

Frank Connor will be the other official running the line for Collum, with Bobby Madden and John Beaten serving as additional assistant referees. Alan Mulvanny has been named fourth official.