Attention seeker Thompson marks Keane's card

by Joe McHugh In his day-glo lemon and lime outfit there was never any doubt that referee Craig Thompson was out to make an impact at the Celtic-Dundee United match.

In a season of puzzling refereeing decisions Thompson has been to the fore with Hugh Dallas forced into issuing an apology for one mistake made by Thompson in the October 4 Rangers-Celtic match.

For reasons unknown, Thompson failed to notice Shaun Maloney being fouled in the penalty box which should have given Celtic a penalty, which could of course have been missed, and resulted in a yellow or red card for Rangers captain David Weir.

Later on in the same match Maloney and Mark Wilson were booked for simulation in the box.

Yesterday was Thompson's first SPL match at Celtic Park of the season and it appears that time hasn't improved his judgement.

Not so long ago it used to be said that the sign of a good referee was one that got through the match un-noticed, these days a number of referees seem to think that they are the main attraction.

From early on in the match it was clear that Thompson was there to make an impact with Robbie Keane of particular interest.

In the eighth minute Keane showed a good turn of pace to break clear of Gary Kenneth but the United player used his bulk to get himself back between Keane and the ball and managed to hold off the Celtic striker as the ball went out of play.

An every day incident that annoys supporters but is an accepted part of the game. Keane was frustrated but didn't overly indulge in dramatics other than the usual strikers annoyance at a chance being missed.

Cue Thompson for his first intervention.

Rather than having a quiet word with Keane as play resumes the referee decided to break the game up by calling Keane over for a very public reprimand. From that moment on the Celtic support were looking out for every decision from the referee which seemed to suit Thompson nicely.

It's a favourite footballing cliche to say that it wasn't a dirty game after seven or eight bookings are issued but yesterday's match certainly wasn't overly physical.

Thompson's previous five SPL matches had brought about nine yellow cards- in 90 minutes yesterday he managed to book five players with the prize scalp of Keane coming in the 80th minute.

The on-loan Spurs striker had had a physical afternoon up against Kenneth and Andy Webster and had given as good as he had got.

With one challenge from Webster appearing more physical than usual the Celtic striker expected to be given a foul- not so with Thompson.

Keane then ran, hardly sprinting or racing, towards the referee and virtually without looking up, almost anticipating/hoping that it would be Keane the referee was reaching for his pocket and yellow carding the striker.

Several times in every game players are seen questioning referees, rarely does it result in an instant yellow card.

When a player refuses to accept the referees word and continues to nip back he can expect a yellow card.

All sorts of players have running discussions with referees throughout the game with respect coming from both sides when it's dealt with in a mature manner.

One of the criticisms of the card system is that it cuts out dialogue between officials and players, referees can reach for the card in retaliation without even speaking to the offender.

Keane's booking was the perfect example of that and how a referee can issue a card without explanation or justification.

This week Hugh Dallas is apparently taking some referees off to Spain for a summit and review of the season, we await the outcome with trepadation.