Referee Spoils New Firm Derby

Referees can sometimes spoil a football match, as Belgian referee Frank De Bleeckere proved in the UEFA Cup Semi-Final between Fiorentina and Rangers on Thursday night.

Frank de Bleeckere ruined the match, by continually awarding free-kicks (mainly to Fiorentina) everytime 2 players even brushed against each other.

At Pittodrie on Saturday afternoon, referee Brian Winter did everything he could to emulate Bleeckere`s performance, turning the New Firm derby into a complete non-contact game of football.

Of course, Brian Winter is well known to Dundee United, since he was the same bumbling referee who showed a straight red card to Christian Kalvenes at Rugby Park in United`s 2nd match of the season.

United were 1-0 and coasting against Killie, until Winter`s mistake reduced Levein`s side to 10-men and allowed the home side to take control of the match, eventually winning 2-1.

Kalvenes`s red card was later rescinded, but the damage has already been done and United had seen 2 players undeservedly sent-off in 2 consecutive matches.

Willo Flood saw red on the opening match of the 07/08 campaign, after a bizarre refereeing blunder saw him sent-off for 'simulation`, after he had been tripped by Aberdeen`s Jackie McNamara.

Referee Winter was once again incharge of a Dundee United v`s Aberdeen league match, as Craig Levein`s side attempted to boost their chances of taking 3rd top spot this season.

However, any chance of free flowing football at Pittodrie was spoiled by a referee, who has issued 75 yellow and 4 reds cards in only 23 games this season.