Linesman cost us victory, says fuming Rangers boss Walter Smith

Aug 24 2008 By Mark Guidi

RAGING Walter Smith last night blasted linesman Billy Baxter after his blunder cost Rangers a win at Aberdeen.

Ibrox sub DaMarcus Beasley thought he had sealed a 2-1 victory when he netted late on.

But Baxter raised his flag for offside against Kris Boyd and Gers were forced to settle for a draw after Derek Young had cancelled out Davie Weir's opener.

TV pictures proved beyond doubt Beasley was onside and Boyd was not interfering with play. And Smith couldn't hide his anger with Baxter - especially as the decision came after SPL managers had met with match officials in an attempt to sort out problems.

The Ibrox boss said: "I'm aggrieved we didn't get the goal. It should have stood and cost us two points.

"The linesman was in line with play so there's no excuse for it. He now knows he was in the wrong.

"Kris Boyd is not offside as he is walking back and not interfering. We've had this rule for years so the linesman should be able to handle it.

"In the last couple of weeks all we've heard is that the Old Firm get every decision going. Well, today shows that's not the case. And it never has been.

"I just hope referees and officials are not bowing to the pressure.

"I was at Dundee United for 20 years so I know both sides of the argument.

"But I'm happy with the way the team is developing and that was the best performance we've had at Pittodrie since I returned as manager."

Refs have been making high-profile blunders since the start of the season but Dons boss Jimmy Calderwood was full of praise for the whistler and his assistants yesterday.

Tongue in cheek, he said: "The goal should have stood, should it? Well in that case I think the ref performed well.

"Overall we deserved a point and I'm happy we managed to fight back.

"The Rangers midfield ran the show in the first half but we got to grips with it and scored at a great moment.

"Charlie Mulgrew set it up and I didn't think he'd be able to play as he came back from Scotland Under-21 duty with a head injury.

"That shows the commitment we have from the players."

Dons goal hero Young said: "We deserved a point and I had to concentrate when striking the ball for my goal.

"Power took it in and I just wanted to see it stay under the bar and not end up in the stand."