Unpleasant Andy Robertson rant shows intensity of life at the top

Scotland captain let rip at referee even with nothing to play for

Andy Robertson is a Premier League winner with Liverpool. Picture: Phil Noble/NMC Pool/PA Wire

Andy Robertson let the nice-guy mask slip slightly earlier this month while venting his anger at referee David Coote following Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Burnley.

It has been an interesting consequence of the absence of crowds being able to hear what’s said between players and officials as games continue in England. Such was the invasive nature of the camera work in the case of Robertson, his expletive-filled rant would probably have been picked up either way.

Some interpreted the outburst as further proof of a born winner though I am not sure I would join these admirers. He is the captain of Scotland after all and should expect – and desire – to be judged to a higher standard.

But it was also an insight into the intensity of professional football at the highest level. Liverpool, after all, had already been declared champions and little was on the line for them other than the challenge of reaching 100 points. That aim had already been torpedoed by the time Chelsea came calling in Liverpool’s last home game on Wednesday, after which they were presented with the Premier League trophy.

But there was still some ill- temper, this time between Chelsea manager Frank Lampard – a Latin scholar no less – and Jurgen Klopp, the former temporarily forgetting himself and using insulting language while accusing the Liverpool manager of having won one title and now thinking he was “the big ‘un”.

Lampard had also clearly forgotten Klopp’s European title, world club title and several others won with Borussia Dortmund in Germany.

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