Don Robertson was lenient with John Lundstram but another ref may well have sent the Rangers star for an early bath after his meaty challenge on Kyogo.
That's the view of former top whistler Steve Conroy who feels Robertson took a 'high risk' approach to officiating the derby at Hampden. Lundstram's tackle on the Celtic star set the tone of battle in the chaotic cauldron of Scottish Cup semi-final battle but referee Robertson opted to take no further action as he got to grips with the clash after being thrown into the Hampden clash when Willie Collum pulled up injured pre-match.
Replays afterwards have shown Lundstram was high but VAR didn't intervene as the game finished 11 vs 11 with Celtic going on to win through Jota's header. But on Lundstram's challenge, Conroy told NewSlotsKosh: “The only challenge of substance was the John Lundstram one (on Kyogo). I think it merited a yellow so it was a high-risk strategy by Don but it worked for him and I suspect if it had been another referee in his place it might have been a red.
Fellow ref Des Roache reckons Robertson got the tone of the derby right and was correct not to send Lundstram off considering the occasion. He said: “I think Don got it right and he managed the game thereafter. The players knew what the level was from that moment but some other refs might have shown a red.”
Conroy went on though and claimed it should be Robertson in the middle for the final in June after he proved he's up for the big occasions. He added: “Don should be given the final. It’s an open goal for the SFA – absolutely it is – but as we always say common sense and the SFA are not good bedfellows.
“He was listed fourth official for the game and normally that means he is in with a shout of the final. The fact that he reffed the game shouldn’t be held against him because he had an outstanding game.
“We think they will give it to John Beaton, but it should be Don after the way he handled the match at such short notice. He came out of it smelling or roses and that’s testament to the standard of the man."
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