Scottish FA Backs Referee Don Robertson Amid Controversy
The Scottish FA has doubled down on its backing for referee Don Robertson, releasing audio and video it says prove the controversial match in question was ended correctly – not abandoned – despite a growing storm around Hampden.
Before that material emerged, Lord Foulkes had already written to SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell, demanding a review of the incident and greater clarity over how the decision had been reached. He has now returned to the fray on X, hinting that the story is far from finished, posting: “There’s more yet to be revealed regarding the SFA.”
The governing body clearly sees it differently.
In an earlier statement, the SFA stressed that the footage supports Robertson’s handling of the closing stages, insisting he followed the Laws of the Game in calling a halt.
“It was made clear at that meeting that the match official, Don Robertson, took the correct action in ending the game,” the statement read, drawing a deliberate distinction between a match being ended and one being abandoned.
The SFA addressed the core of the argument: the final whistle. Debate has raged over whether it was blown, how it was signalled, and what that meant for the result. The SFA’s line is blunt. The law does not demand a whistle, only a clear signal.
“We note there has been speculation regarding the blowing of a final whistle. The Laws of the Game require the referee to signal the end of the match, but do not prescribe the method of that signal.
“In the context of what unfolded – which is verified by the footage and the Match Incident Report submitted to the Scottish FA – the match official clearly communicated that the match was ended and not abandoned.”
The clock, they argue, also backs Robertson. The video released by the SFA shows the stadium timer at 53:07 – 98:07 in total – when the referee confirms the game is over, beyond the minimum eight minutes of added time that had been indicated.
“The footage shows that when the match official confirms the game has ended, the clock is at 53.07 [98.07], more than the minimum additional time of eight minutes signalled,” the SFA added, using the numbers as a cornerstone of their defence.
There is another key strand: communication with the dugout. The SFA says Robertson did not act in isolation, but after speaking to the Heart of Midlothian technical area and being alerted to concerns over the players’ welfare.
“It was also apparent from the audio that this decision was taken following dialogue with the Hearts Head Coach, who had intimated concerns over player safety.”
To close, the governing body reached for the law book. Law 5 of the IFAB Laws of the Game gives the referee ultimate authority over decisions linked to play. Once the referee rules, there is no appeal within the match itself.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Law 5 of the IFAB Laws of the Game state that ‘the decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play are final’.
“We fully support the decisive action taken by Don Robertson and his team to end the game.”
The SFA has nailed its colours to the mast. The next move, and any fresh revelations hinted at by Foulkes, will decide whether this row fades into the background or drags Scottish officiating back under the microscope.
