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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Kris Boyd brands Celtic 'conspiracy kings' but makes Rangers 'too far' admission

Kris Boyd has branded Celtic as 'conspiracy kings' as he stated supporters have been "brainwashed" over Rangers not conceding penalties.

The former Ibrox striker claimed "when it comes to peddling the narrative" of biased referees that Celtic are the main offenders.

It comes after the Scottish FA today responded to Rangers' statement on the controversial penalty call in the match against Celtic last week.

Ibrox chiefs had been adamant their side should have had a spot-kick when Alistair Johnston handled in the box - however, Nick Walsh pointed for a goal kick and VAR Willie Collum saw no clear and obvious error.

James Bisgrove and Creag Robertson met with Crawford Allan to discuss the incident with contrasting versions of events from Ibrox and Hampden chiefs over the outcome of the meeting.

For Boyd, Rangers were well within their rights to question the decision - after which a still was broadcast on Sky Sports showing Abdallah Sima offside in the build-up.

And the pundit was forthcoming in his opinion that Celtic are the 'conspiracy kings' as he cited Michael Nicholson's 'Penalty Rangers' AGM jibe.

In his Scottish Sun column, Boyd wrote: "Let’s get it right, when it comes to peddling the narrative that the SFA and their referees are biased, Celtic are kings.

"Their supporters have been brainwashed into believing our top officials are too terrified to award a penalty at Ibrox.

"Their chief executive even spun the line at Celtic’s recent AGM, to divert attention away from the criticism the board were getting from shareholders.

"Predictably the saps all lapped it up."

While Boyd took aim at Celtic and their supporters over refereeing narratives, he insisted Rangers' criticism of Willie Collum was "too far" after the Celtic no-handball flashpoint.

The pundit blasted reports that Rangers requested Collum not be involved in their matches moving forward - a reported request that was "immediately rejected" by the Scottish FA.

And Boyd stated that in no way is Collum biased as he launched a fierce defence of the official despite his opposite view of the handball decision.

Boyd wrote: "But there’s one thing I’m certain about, and it’s that the criticism of Willie Collum this week has gone too far, and it really has to stop.

"Were Gers within their rights to ask for an explanation over the controversial Old Firm penalty incident? In my book, they were.

"I said so in my column earlier in the week, and I stand by that 100 per cent.

"But telling the SFA they don’t want Collum to officiate at their games any longer has gone way over the score."

He added: "But, I’m sorry, whatever anyone thinks about him, Collum isn’t biased against one team or another."

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