Celtic gripes are justified, insists Boyd

FORMER Celtic captain Tom Boyd believes the Parkhead club were right to voice concerns about match officials ahead of Sunday's Old Firm clash at Ibrox.

Celtic and the Scottish Football Association became embroiled in an unseemly spat following a revelation from an unknown Hoops' source that the club were frustrated with major decisions that they believe had gone against them this season. Celtic also expressed concerns about offside decisions given against recent loan signing Robbie Keane.

Poll: Are Celtic's complaints over unfair refereeing this season justified?

SFA president George Peat confirmed that there has been a private meeting between the ruling body and Celtic on the issue but hit back over the timing of the leak.

The furore has served to intensify the scrutiny that will be on Sunday's referee Dougie McDonald as the visitors seek to reduce the seven-point gap behind leaders Rangers.

However, Boyd believes Celtic were correct in approaching the SFA – and letting it be known through the media.

"I would imagine Alex Ferguson would be proud of the timing of this," he said. "Certainly on the evidence of what we have seen so far in this campaign, there has been some outrageous decisions and Celtic have a bigger grievance than most."