St. Mirren to face point deduction after Robinson post match comment about celtic, referee and SPFL- it’s terrible
St. Mirren to face disciplinary action, including a potential points deduction, after head coach Stephen Robinson delivered a scathing post-match interview criticizing Celtic, the match officials, and the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) following his team’s hard-fought 1-1 draw at Celtic Park.
The Paisley side had put in a gritty performance, holding the reigning champions to a draw in front of a packed crowd. But the result was overshadowed by Robinson’s explosive remarks, which have now drawn the attention of the SPFL’s disciplinary committee.
Speaking to the press after the final whistle, Robinson expressed fury over what he described as “biased officiating” and “preferential treatment” shown to Celtic by the league and referees. The coach, known for his passionate demeanor, did not hold back in his assessment of the match.
“We came here, put in a performance full of effort and tactical discipline, and we’re robbed plain and simple,” Robinson said. “Decisions keep going one way when you play Celtic. It’s not just coincidence anymore. It’s systemic.”
He continued: “I’ve been in this league long enough to know how things work. When you come to Celtic Park, you need to beat 12 men not just 11. That referee , and the way SPFL handles these big games, it’s a disgrace.”
The SPFL wasted no time in launching an investigation. In an official statement released the morning after the game, the governing body confirmed that Robinson’s comments would be reviewed for breaches of league regulations, including bringing the game into disrepute and questioning the integrity of match officials.
“The SPFL takes any public criticism of match officials or league governance seriously,” the statement read. “The comments made by Mr. Robinson post-match are under review, and disciplinary proceedings will be considered in accordance with our code of conduct.”
Sources suggest that St. Mirren could face a range of penalties, from a significant fine to a potential points deduction, depending on the outcome of the investigation. While such measures are rare, the severity and directness of Robinson’s allegations could compel the league to take decisive action.
St. Mirren Stands by Their Manager
Despite the growing backlash, St. Mirren FC have publicly backed their manager. In a statement released on the club’s website, the board defended Robinson’s right to express his frustration and supported his call for fairness and accountability in Scottish football.
“Stephen Robinson spoke from the heart and reflected the emotions of everyone associated with St. Mirren Football Club,” the statement read. “We believe in fair play and honest officiating. We will fully cooperate with any SPFL inquiry, but we stand by our manager.”
The statement, while measured, also hinted at broader frustrations felt by smaller clubs in the Premiership, who often feel marginalized when facing the traditional Glasgow giants.
Fallout Across Scottish Football
Robinson’s remarks have sparked heated debate across Scottish football. Some pundits have praised the coach for speaking out against what they view as long-standing biases, while others believe he overstepped and risked undermining the integrity of the sport.
Former referee Des Roache, speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, called the comments “dangerous” and “unacceptable,” noting that “criticizing referees is one thing — questioning their integrity crosses a line.”
Meanwhile, Celtic have yet to make a formal response but are said to be “deeply unimpressed” by Robinson’s remarks, particularly the implication that officials are influenced in their favor.
The SPFL disciplinary panel is expected to convene in the coming days, with a verdict likely before the end of the month. If St. Mirren are docked points, it could significantly impact their position in the league table, especially with the race for top-six and European spots heating up.
As tensions rise, the situation serves as yet another flashpoint in ongoing discussions about refereeing standards and transparency in Scottish football and it may not be the last.
