Referee Bobby Madden is not just incompetent - he's dangerous and Celtic must act

Some might call him incompetent. Some might call him biased. Some might call him a cheat. Only referee Bobby Madden knows for sure.

But whatever else Madden may or may not be, today he was unquestionably dangerous. And that's where Celtic must draw the line and finally challenge the Scottish Football Association.

Over the past season-and-a-half, in particular, we have seen some disgraceful challenges in the

Scottish game, and Celtic players have suffered more than most.

Kieran Tierney has come in for particularly brutal treatment with fouls that could have caused career-ending injuries and a broken jaw in the Scottish Cup Final after what was nothing better than an assault by Jayden Stockley.

For that, players and their coaches are to blame in what is a damning indictment on the Scottish game.

Fans have been calling for Celtic to speak upas Pep Guardiola has done for his players in England – before someone has an injury that threatens their football career or worse.

This is, of course, where referees come in – in giving fouls and, just as importantly, the appropriate cards for actions that are dangerous, reckless or violent.

But they also have a duty to ensure that medical attention is required and act without hesitation in seeing that players are treated.

These men of highly-questionable ability and suspect willingness have the physical wellbeing of footballers in their hands and, in Scotland, are doing a horrendous job of carrying out their responsibilities.

And none are currently worse than Madden, who during the victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie, left Kristofer Ajer prostate on the turf and bleeding from a head wound in order to allow Aberdeen a crack at goal.

The fact that the clash was an accidental one with his own team-mate, Jozo Šimunović, is of no relevance. Madden's first duty was to stop the game to allow Ajer to be treated and, whether through crass stupidity or any other reasons, Madden chose to delay what could have been vital treatment to the player.

The SFA being what it is, the football authorities are unlikely to take the action that they should – suspend Madden until he has retrained in safety and issue a clear directive to all officials that player safety takes precedence over any other considerations.

Celtic fans still keep alive the memory of John Thomson, who lost his life after what appeared to be a glancing blow to the head in a match against Rangers in 1921.

Football has moved on in many ways but the risk of dangerous head injuries has not diminished. We should, however, have officials who are better educated and sufficiently professional to at least get the easiest decision of all correct – to stop play and call the doctor onto the field immediately when a player goes down after a blow to the head.

Madden is a truly appalling referee in several ways, something with which the football establishment seems comfortable.

But points and trophies lost mean nothing in comparison to the safety of players and, any referee incapable of recognising that should not be allowed to play games with the lives of players.

Celtic, as a club, must protest to the SFA and demand protection for all players in the Scottish game.

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