“Totally indefensible”… Former SFA referee’s verdict on Kenny Miller and the Celtic derby
Celtic fans can always rely on a Glasgow Derby to generate some controversy and headlines long after the game has ended.
The Celtic supporters were ecstatic after their team defeated Rangers on Saturday,
as they moved one huge step closer to winning the championship.
But Kenny Miller, the former striker for the Rangers, was furious.
Not only was the outcome disappointing, but so was the choice to dismiss John Lundstram for his careless challenge on Celtic defender Alistair Johnston.
Strangely, I can’t figure out why it seemed to irritate Graeme Souness as well. Neither can Steve Conroy, a former SFA Grade 1 referee.
The most appalling tackle I have seen in a long time in a Glasgow Derby was that of Miller,
who made odd remarks about Celtics while mocking Lundstram.
He was uncontrollably high on studs and had the potential to wreak great harm.
Conroy acknowledges that he does not share Miller’s opinions of the tackle, citing this as the reason.
“Well, I can certainly say I’m not in Kenny Miller’s camp for those comments,” Conroy remarked [Behind the Whistles].
“I can see why, as a former athlete, you might believe that you could stand up for a teammate.
That is not justifiable. That is completely unjustifiable. Every single day of the week, that is a red card.
“He’s arrived quickly and with great gusto. He is jeopardizing the opponent’s security.
“That meets every requirement for a red card. And I well see that,
in an attempt to make amends, he has since taken back his remarks in an attempt to preserve face.
“That is unacceptable on all days of the week. And let me add one thing.
It was quite appropriate for Steven McLean to intervene and inform Willie that he was being sent off.
To put things in perspective. It took Willie Collum maybe two or three replays of the tackle before he upgraded the yellow to red.
Nobody will persuade me otherwise—I’ve seen this repeatedly—
that Lundstram should have been allowed to walk. Miller has undoubtedly seen it more than I have,
so it is truly inexcusable—as Conroy stated—for him to still think the red was too severe.
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