Honest Mistakes - Week 14
Celtic travel to Aberdeen in a top-two clash, whilst there is much to pick out of a fiercely contested Ayrshire derby at Ibrox (no, there really wasn't).
The Yorkshire Whistler looks in on the top-of-the-table clash last week at Pittodrie as Celtic put their 100% away win record on the line.
There was little to look at as The Rangers cuffed Kilmarnock. Indeed, not only did the visitors seem incapable of fouling, but it wasn't clear there were two teams on the pitch.
The impact of incorrect big calls can be evaluated using the framework outlined here -> Honest Mistakes in the SPFL.
04/12/24 Aberdeen vs Celtic
Incident 1
Referee: Don Robertson
Game Minute: 2nd
Score At Time: 0-0
Incident: Kyogo and Doohan clash following a through ball
Outcome: Free kick to Aberdeen.
Evidence: Sportscene - Premiership Highlights 2024/25: 04/12/2024 - BBC iPlayer
At 4:00
Yorkshire Whistler Verdict:
Initial on-field decision: Free kick to Aberdeen
As Kyogo attempts to latch onto a through ball clear on goal, the Aberdeen keeper bravely comes flying out to smother the ball first. The keeper gets to the ball first before receiving a heavy blow to the face as Kyogos thigh makes contact just after Doohan connects with the ball.
Despite the Aberdeen players' reactions and demands for more disciplinary action against Kyogo, I feel that just a free-kick award was the correct decision.
Kyogo only has eyes on the ball and has every right to attempt to get a touch on the ball first. If the keeper catches Kyogo rather than the ball, then a penalty award is probably the outcome.
As it is, Doohan bravely connects with the ball but Kyogo’s boot/foot is not extended or outstretched in any way. This is simply a goalkeeper putting his body on the line to make an excellent block and catching one in the head for his troubles.
Verdict: CORRECT decision
Expected Points Outcome: No impact
Incident 2
Referee: Don Robertson
Game Minute: 43rd
Score At Time: 0-0
Incident: Bernardo scores from a corner
Outcome: Free kick to Aberdeen for foul on Doohan.
Evidence: Sportscene - Premiership Highlights 2024/25: 04/12/2024 - BBC iPlayer
At 8:34
Yorkshire Whistler Verdict:
Initial on-field decision: Free kick to Aberdeen for foul by Maeda
As Bernardo’s corner is delivered into a congested box, the Aberdeen goalkeeper's ability to come and attempt to claim the ball is impeded by Maeda who is backing into the keeper and isn’t interested in playing the ball.
Although the level of contact is minimal, you can see as the keepers tried to extend his arms out to punch/catch the ball, his body shape is pushed backwards by Maeda backing in. For me, this unfairly affects the goalkeeper's ability to come and play the ball.
Verdict: CORRECT decision
Expected Points Outcome: No impact
Incident 3
Referee: Don Robertson
Game Minute: 50th
Score At Time: 0-0
Incident: Nilsen goes over in the box following a corner
Outcome: No decision
Evidence: Sportscene - Premiership Highlights 2024/25: 04/12/2024 - BBC iPlayer
At 9:55
Yorkshire Whistler Verdict:
Initial on-field decision: No decision
From a corner, we see a bit of mutual grappling as the defender and attacker compete for the same space. There is a bit of grabbing from both players before they let go and Nielsen then drops to the ground claiming a foul.
There is no clear pulling offence committed here and what I would deem expected and acceptable contact from both players as the ball is delivered.
Verdict: CORRECT decision
Expected Points Outcome: No impact
Summary
My thanks as always to the Yorkshire Whistler.
The big game was, overall, well refereed by Don Robertson at least as regards the big calls. This continues a trend so far this season.
What has Willie Collum done? Or is it just “good luck” for the officials?
This leaves the overall position thus:
Celtic have 0.46 MORE expected points, and The Rangers also have 0.46 MORE due to the impact of Honest Mistakes. So, no “advantage” for either team.
Celtic lead by 11 points after 14 matches. (Note to self: probably not include Aberdeen matches)
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Articles like this from the Whistler and the SFA’s monthly VAR programme on You Tube are fantastic for explaining these live decisions. The as live audio is really illuminating. Willie Collum admitting errors is refreshing.
It certainly puts conspiracy theories in context.