Strachan: Referees Pick On Celtic

Mar 2 2008 By Mark Guidi

Strachan Fury As Boruc Is Carded

FUMING Gordon Strachan last night claimed Celtic are being victimised by Scottish referees.

The Parkhead manager was furious after seeing whistler Iain Brines book keeper Artur Boruc at the end of his side's 2-0 SPL win over Hibs.

The Pole was verbally abused by the Easter Road faithful during the game and "waved" towards them as he ran to the Hoops supporters at full-time.

Boruc has a history with the Hibs fans and made a rude gesture towards themwhen his two blunders gifted the Edinburgh side a 3-2 win in September.

But yesterday's decision left Strachan (right) in a rage and his outburst came as top referee Stuart Dougal told MailSport fierce criticism could force some Scottish officials to quit the game.

Strachan blasted: "When teams defeat us there is a day of national rejoicing.

"Massimo Donati clapped all sides of the ground when he was substituted today and he wasn't booked. So let's clear up the rules. Tell me the laws and I can then tell my players what they can and can't do.

"Scott McDonald scored against Gretna for us and celebrated five metres from the touchline. He was booked.

"I recently watched a game and a player ran into the crowd to celebrate a goal and wasn't booked."

Strachan was no doubt referring to Daniel Cousin's celebration for Rangers last week against Gretna and referee Calum Murray was criticised by the SFA for not producing a yellow card.

Parkhead skipper Stephen McManus added: "Artur's bookingwas a bit harsh.

Inverness went on a lap of honour when they beat us 3-2 a couple of months ago and none of their players was booked.

"Referees can be fickle although I don't want to criticise them. However, more common sense could have been shown. It might have been better to have a quiet word with Artur up the tunnel. It's not as if he was going to start a full-scale riot."

Strachan was delighted with the result, though, as his players stayed four points behind leaders Rangers.

He said: "Hibs have been going well recently and we needed to play well.

"Scott Brown was fantastic. He picked up an injury and I didn't think he'd be able to continue. But he did.

Scott was angry and determined."

Gutted Hibees boss Mixu Paatelainen said: "We were fantastic in the first half and should have punished Celtic.

"Wemust correct our mistakes before we play Rangers in the Cup next week."