Masters Referee ‘Bottled’ Celtic Goal Decision as Danny Swanson Claims Dundee Utd Were ‘Robbed’
Dundee United midfielder Danny Swanson has accused the referee of “bottling” a crucial decision during their 3-3 draw with Celtic in the Masters tournament opener in Aberdeen. Swanson, speaking after the match, claimed that United were “robbed stinking” after a controversial goal by John Rankin was disallowed.
The match, which featured a mix of former Scottish football stars competing in a charity event, saw plenty of drama, including a high-scoring draw. However, the key moment that left the United players and supporters fuming came when Rankin appeared to have scored a legitimate goal, only for the referee to rule it out, much to the disbelief of the Dundee United bench.
According to Swanson, the decision was a clear error, and the referee had been too hesitant in awarding the goal. “It was a perfectly good goal. It was onside, and John had put it in the back of the net,” Swanson said. “For the referee to blow it off like that, it’s frustrating. He bottled the decision. We were robbed, absolutely stinking.”
The incident occurred with the score still tied at 2-2, and the disallowed goal would have given United a crucial lead. Instead, Celtic would go on to score another, with the match ultimately finishing in a dramatic 3-3 draw.
While the Masters tournament is typically a light-hearted event aimed at raising funds and showcasing some of the most beloved players in Scottish football history, the tension in this match was palpable. Both teams had their share of contentious moments, with a number of refereeing decisions leaving players and coaches disappointed.
Despite the controversial call, Swanson was keen to focus on the positives from the match, pointing out that the event was about enjoyment and charity. “Of course, it’s frustrating when decisions go against you, but at the end of the day, we’re all here for a bit of fun, and to raise some money for good causes,” he said. “That being said, we’ll always feel hard done by when a bad call like that happens.”
The draw between Celtic and Dundee United was just one of several exciting encounters in the opening round of the Masters tournament, which continues to be a major fixture on the Scottish football calendar. While the outcome of the match was a point of contention for some, the event succeeded in bringing back fond memories for fans and players alike.
