Tom Lawrence Rangers referee advice clip provokes debate as fans clash on rights and wrongs
An audio clip showing instructions a referee gave to Rangers player Tom Lawrence has provoked an online debate.
The SFA have been transparent on decisions made so far in this Premiership season and yesterday released a VAR review with new head of referees Willie Collum talking through some of the major calls and admitting to some of the mistakes made. Collum later appeared on Clyde One's Superscoreboard and answered listener questions.
One of the clips released as part of the review was from Gers' 6-0 thumping of Ross County. As visiting midfielder Aidan Denholm broke forward with the ball, Lawrence was in pursuit. Referee Ross Hardie is heard saying "don't tackle there Tom", with the midfielder ignoring that and sliding in from behind.
READ MORE: Willie Collum on 'insulting' Celtic and Rangers question and details ref declarations
READ MORE: James Tavernier Rangers transfer exit looks OFF as Turkish ruling frustrates duo
Hardie then claimed he "played the ball" but it was one Collum later admitted was a mistake and a foul should have been awarded. But it is the dialogue from the whistler that has been highlighted on social media.
Fans of Celtic and other clubs have claimed the official was 'coaching' Lawrence and should not be instructing him or helping him. One said: "No idea why the referee is saying this to Tom Lawrence . It's not his job."
Plenty of others took that view but others have disagreed and insists it's exactly the sort of thing refs should be doing. One wrote: "Definitely a foul mate but it’s common for the refs to talk to players this way during games. Refs often advise players not to foul and tell them steady on when it looks like they’re about to commit a reckless challenge", while another added: "Common practice for refs and linesmen to say this kind of thing to players."