Yahoo News Kilmarnock boss admits ref apologised for giving Celtic 'helping hand'
Derek McInnes refused to be too downbeat after seeing his Kilmarnock side blown away by a rampant Celtic at Rugby Park.
The Hoops sealed the title in style thanks to a 5-0 win in Ayrshire - but the Killie gaffer admitted referee Don Robertson apologised for giving Celtic a ‘helping hand’ for their opener.
The whistler allowed play to continue on five minutes despite Robbie Deas taking a clattering to the face from an Adam Idah flying arm. To add insult to injury, the striker promptly turned Matt O’Riley’s pass beyond Kieran O’Hara.
McInnes said: “The first goal should have been pulled back and Don Robertson apologised at half-time. He said it wasn’t a foul but he knew it was a head knock and he should have stopped the game.
“It’s poor from him because he’s a good official. They didn’t need a helping hand but they got one and they were really good with their work.
“There was so much wrong with what we did. But a big part was what Celtic were doing.”
That early goal appeared to rattle the hosts while galvanising the visitors, who knew they only needed a point to be crowned champions.
Slack defending has been a rare sight for Killie this term but was in fully display last night.
Celtic’s second arrived on 12 minutes and was a near carbon copy of the opener as Alistair Johnston teed up Daizen Maeda from close range.
The game was dead and buried before half-time as James Forrest ran in unmarked before the break to turn home Maeda’s pass while O’Riley bagged a brace after the interval to complete the rout.
But it won’t take away from a spectacular campaign, insists McInnes, with Killie sealing fourth place.
He said: “It was the toughest 90 minutes we’ve had to endure. That was partly us but congratulations to Celtic. I thought they’d have beaten any team in the league tonight they were so strong.
“We’re always professional and give the best account of ourselves but subconsciously for the players, when you’re playing a team with so much more on the game, it’s difficult. They played with intensity and didn’t let us breathe.
“But it’s been a brilliant campaign. It’s not the way we wanted the last home game to play out but what a season it’s been and this isn’t going to spoil it.”
Read next:
Ayr Station Hotel owner Sunny Ung breaks silence and halts demolition work
Plan for former Kilmarnock Aulds the Bakers store unveiled as new store proposed
Lidl unveils new Ayrshire store locations on 'wishlist' plan
Ayrshire hotel named best in the region at national awards ceremony
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter
