Referees and the Record have a cheek accusing anyone of using Dark Arts

The Daily Record this week helped by former referees have been showing their true colours with poisonous attack on Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston…

Alistair Johnston
Alistair Johnston. Dens Park, Dundee v Celtic. 14th January 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

The ailing tabloid ran an article which was nothing more than a poisonous attack on one of our own players.

They sourced the opinion of two former grade one officials Des Roache and Steve Conroy both who are behind an X account dubbed ‘Behind the Whistle’ and if like me you are a regular on X, you will know the narrative run by this account.

Alistair Johnston accused of using dark arts 

Both didn’t disappoint, and encouraged by article writer Mark Pirie they concluded that Alistair Johnston should have seen red after his infringement gave away a penalty at Dingwall on Saturday. For the record it was a clear penalty, but it was never an ordering off offence. However all that is about opinion and after a long look at the incident the VAR recommended a penalty to Ross County. No complaints there.

Alistair Johnston
Alistair Johnston. Ross County v Celtic in Dingwall. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

But they didn’t stop there and they further pushed their agenda by stating that the Canadian international is somehow a master of the dark arts and in doing so has made himself a marked man in the Scottish game. It was not Johnston’s intention to concede a penalty and he didn’t determine the punishment – so where was the alleged dark arts?

Giving your opinion on decisions on the football field even if it’s wrong like on this occasion, is well and fine, but defaming a professional footballer is totally out of order.

Conspired to make AJ a marked man

Now Roach, Conroy and Daily Record have conspired to make AJ a marked man due to their repulsive lies, and I’m sure that was their intention in the first place.

Kasper Schmeichel
Kasper Schmeichel. Ross County v Celtic in Dingwall. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

AJ can be a tough competitor and doesn’t shrink a challenge, but to say he is above the laws of the games is nonsense. There are other players in Scotland who get away with a lot worse, but funnily enough they are never subjected to the bile that AJ has just been exposed to.

Selective focus 

Interestingly Roach, Conroy and the media weren’t bothered in the slightest by the blatant penalty kick Dundee were denied against theRangers at Dens Park last Thursday. Dark arts you say…

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Dens Park Dundee
Dens Park Dundee. Dundee v Celtic. 14th January 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

READ THIS…Sandman’s Definitive Ratings – Celtic at Toontown

Join the Weekly Lottery
Celtic Pools – Join the Weekly Lottery and support the Celtic Academy. Why not join Celtic Pools for £1 a week with the chance to win up to £25k

About Author

An ordinary everyday Celtic supporters hailing and still residing in Govan in the shadows of the enemy. I’m a season ticket holder. I Witnessed my first Celtic game in 1988 and have attended when I can ever since. Growing up in the 90s I witnessed Celtic at their lowest, and now appreciate the historic success we enjoy today. I enjoy writing about this wonderful football club and hopefully will continue to do so. I’ve always been a keen writer and initially started this a hobby. My ambition is to one day become as good an author as my fellow Celtic Star colleagues.

1 Comment

  1. read that “article” myself and am of the same opinion as the writer shit stirring wankers. I dont go near x owned by another conspiracy nut job.