Hibs vs Rangers Referee Watch as Willie Collum’s performance analysed

Hibs vs Rangers Referee Watch as Willie Collum’s performance analysed

WILLIE COLLUM was the man in the middle as Hibs fought it out with Rangers this lunchtime.

The match ended 2-2 at Easter Road, with the Premiership fixture steeped in controversy.

It was a hugely busy afternoon for Collum, with several big decisions for the whistler to make.

Collum had a quiet opening period, with little action to get excited about in the game.

That was right up until just before half-time. Collum pointed to the spot after Antonio Colak was fouled by Rocky Bushiri inside the area.

The defender placed two hands around the waist of the Gers striker and therefore stopped the attacker from running onto the ball.

Hibs will feel aggrieved, as it did appear of the soft variety, but judging by the rules, Colak was obstructed and Collum made the correct decision.

James Tavernier stepped up to score.

Into the second-half and that is when the drama really ensued.

Hibs equalised for the first time. Tavernier was caught out as Elie Youan latched onto a pass up the inside of the full-back.

He played a dangerous cross in for Martin Boyle, who tapped home from close range.

With the naked eye, it was too difficult to tell whether Youan was marginally offside. Only VAR would have cleared it up. The benefit of the doubt must be given to Collum and his officials on this one.

Then came two red cards, both flashed to Rangers players.

Firstly, John Lundstram was sent off for a cynical tackle on Boyle.

While it was rash and halted a counter attack, it certainly wasn’t dangerous and appeared to lack excessive force.

IFAB rules state: “Violent conduct is when a player uses or attempts to use excessive force or brutality against an opponent when not challenging for the ball, or against a team-mate, team official, match official, spectator or any other person, regardless of whether contact is made.

“In addition, a player who, when not challenging for the ball, deliberately strikes an opponent or any other person on the head or face with the hand or arm, is guilty of violent conduct unless the force used was negligible.

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“A tackle or challenge that endangers the safety of an opponent or uses excessive force or brutality must be sanctioned as serious foul play.

“Any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, from the side or from behind using one or both legs, with excessive force or endangers the safety of an opponent is guilty of serious foul play.”

It is therefore pretty clear that Lundstram’s offence falls into neither category. Collum got this one wrong – a yellow would have been suffice. Rangers should successfully appeal.

Finally, Alfredo Morelos was sent off after his flailing arm caught Marijan Čabraja on the neck area.

In all honesty, using the rules stated above, the incident met the criteria for violent conduct.

Collum called this one right and Morelos could have no complaints.