SNP MP Ian Blackford has slammed the standard of Scottish refereeing following Rangers’ Scottish Cup win at Easter Road.
The Ross, Skye and Lochaber Member of Parliament took to social media to fume following the quick-fire double dismissal of Jordan Obita and Nathan Moriah-Welsh in the ill-tempered game.
The Edinburgh born politician and Hibs supporter was left seething when his team were reduced to nine men by referee Steven McLean.
This led Blackford to heap more pressure on the backs of officials claiming that the standard of refereeing in Scotland “leaves a lot to be desired”.
The two ordering offs came hot on the heels of a highly contested penalty awarded to Rangers in the first half of the Scottish Cup quarter final.
Dujon Sterling tumbled to the ground following what appeared to be minimal contact before James Tavernier saw former Scotland keeper David Marshall save his penalty.
Rangers midfielder John Lundstrum followed in to take advantage on the rebound and spare his captain’s blushes.
The game quickly became fiery following the opening goal with several challenges going unpunished before Hibs striker Martin Boyle left the pitch on a stretcher.
In the second half, Obita received his marching orders after referee McLean seemed to be influenced by Rangers defender Connor Goldson asking for a card.
The Hibs defender had been tracking Rabbi Matondo when the latter fell to the ground clutching his face in an off the ball incident.
Replays showed that it seemed to be an innocent action, but Goldson sprinted 20 yards to confront whistler McLean who had shown no urgency to go to his top pocket.
Just two minutes later Hibs were down to nine and effectively out of the Scottish Cup following a wild lunge from midfielder Nathan Moriah-Welsh, who jumped into a tackle on Lundstrum.
There was still only the one goal in the game when these incidents led to Blackford heading to social media to share his views last night.
Quoting the official Hibs account’s post about the sending off, he wrote: “Never a red card Hibernian FC were in the ascendancy then Obita sent off for a second booking which never should have been.
“Mariah-Welsh was a booking at best, nine men Hibs can’t win this, our refereeing leaves a lot to be desired.”
His post received over 1,300 likes with hundreds of comments from Scottish football fans who debated his views.
One said: “Dry your eyes.”
Another added: “It was a red, two reds, we – again – beat ourselves, open your eyes.”
A third replied: “Our SNP also leaves a lot to be desired, can’t wait to get you out [at the] next election.”
Another commented: “Our politicians also leave a lot to be desired.”
Rangers scored a second goal late on through loan signing Fabio Silva to seal their place at Hampden Park alongside Celtic, Aberdeen and either Morton or Hearts who play tonight.
