Don Robertson apologises to Kilmarnock for giving Celtic 'helping hand' to title

Derek McInnes says ref Don Robertson APOLOGISED to him at half-time for awarding Celtic's first goal in their Rugby Park rout.

Killie were left raging when Adam Idah fired Celts' opener inside five minutes - just moments after the Irishman floored defender Robbie Deas with a flying arm. The home side were incensed that Robertson allowed play to continue as Idah diverted Matt O'Riley's shot into the net to kickstart the title party.

McInnes said: "The first goal should have been pulled back and Don Robertson apologised at half-time. He said it wasn't a foul but he knew it was a head knock and he should have stopped the game.

"It's poor from him because he's a good official. They didn't need a helping hand but they got one and they were really good with their work. There was so much wrong with what we did. But a big part was what Celtic were doing."

Brendan Rodgers' side were in scintillating form as the tore apart the fourth-best team in the league to clinch three-in-a-row in style. McInnes admits his side were couldn't handle the champions and said: "It was the toughest 90 minutes we've had to endure. That was partly us but congratulations to Celtic. I thought they'd have beaten any team in the league tonight they were so strong.

"We're always professional and give the best account of ourselves but subconsciously for the players, when you're playing a team with so much more on the game, it's difficult. They played with intensity and didn't let us breathe. But it's been a brilliant campaign. It's not the way we wanted the last home game to play out but what a season it's been and this isn't going to spoil it."