Scottish Catholic Observer

Scottish football referee Willie Collum has received several threatening phone calls from disgruntled football fans following Sunday’s Old Firm football match in Glasgow.

Mr Collum, a religious studies teacher at Cardinal Newman High School, Bellshill, awarded Rangers a controversial penalty during the match. The intimidation began on Sunday night, when a man called his house threatening to ‘go after him, his wife and his family.’ The police were immediately notified.

Mr Collum’s integrity as a referee was questioned earlier in his career, when it was revealed that he has a Crucifix attached to his whistle.

He responded by saying: “It’s because I’m a Christian person.

“I don’t believe that anyone could question my honesty. I’m stunned.”

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has urged everyone to back off under-fire referees, saying he does not want to see any more follow the lead of Steven Craven who resigned in the aftermath of the Tannadice penalty controversy.

Celtic FC has asked for clarification of Mr Collum’s decision at the weekend, the second time the club has questioned a referee’s call in two weeks.