Refs group respond to Celtic boss' blast as they condemn rise in 'personalised' criticism of Scottish whistlers

THE SSFRA have hit out at criticism that has become 'much more frequent, disproportionate and personalised' after a weekend of flashpoint drama in Scotland's top flight.

A number of high profile incidents have made it into the headlines across the weekend including games involving Rangers and Celtic. At Ibrox, Philippe Clement was left upset after Motherwell match winner Dan Casey was not punished for a challenge on Ross McCausland. He escaped any caution at the time and headed home to secure a shock Ibrox win. Former EPL whistler Dermot Gallagher claimed as part of his Ref Watch segment that he should have been RED carded.

24 hours later Tynecastle took centre stage with Brendan Rodgers letting rip post-match at John Beaton in the VAR room after he ordered Don Robertson to the screen following Yang's high boot on Alex Cochrane. The man in the middle issued a red card with just over 15 minutes of action played before he was sent for another check late in the half when Tomoki Iwata was judged to have handled in the box. Jorge Grant stepped up to open the scoring after Adam Idah had missed from the spot before Lawrence Shankland grabbed a second.

Celtic have since appealed the red card handed to Yang with a fast track hearing to take place on Tuesday while Rodgers faces an SFA sweat over his stinging post-match views. Kilmarnock also had Lewis Mayo ordered off at Dundee with the Rugby Park outfit since appealing the decision while Neil Warnock was left bemused with VAR over the delay in awarding St Mirren a penalty.

Pundits and ex-pros have had their say on the weekend incidents and now the Scottish Senior Football Referees' Association have issued a statement in response. It reads: “It has become too easy throughout the