Brendan Rodgers compiling dossier for every Scots referee

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers revealed he's compiling a dossier for every referee in Scotland.

Brendan Rodgers saw his side defeat Hearts on Sunday. Picture: SNS

The meticulous manager watched his side defeat Hearts on the opening weekend of the league season. A contentious match officiated by John Beaton.

The visitors were victims of an unjust penalty decision after Jamie Walker, in the words of Scott Brown, “dived” under the attentions of Kieran Tierney.

This call came after James Forrest’s opening goal, which also should not have stood as Stuart Armstrong obstructed the goalkeeper’s line of vision after straying into an offside area.

Rodgers is known for his preparation methods and he explains that studying referees gives his side a similar advantage to the one gained from researching opposing teams and players.

He said: “We study the referee. We look at the last 35 games of the ref and his form going into games. Does he give particular cards at a high level or not? Everything’s in there.

“It’s not homework but the players are given a document on the opponent. Everything is in there about the player they are playing against.

“But then it is the choice of the player to read it. It’s never forced on to them.”

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