Former SFA referee Des Roache has apologised to Rangers loanee Andreas Skov Olsen after initially accusing him of cheating during the 4-2 win over Hearts. Skov Olsen was booked by Don Robertson for simulation after going down in the box under a challenge from Islam Chesnokov.
Roache first labelled the incident “simply cheating” but has since reconsidered after reviewing the footage. Speaking on The Ref’s View podcast, he admitted that while his first reaction was that the Dane had dived, further analysis suggested it was merely a coming together between two players.
He stressed that if a penalty isn’t awarded, a booking for simulation shouldn’t automatically follow, and defended Robertson by noting VAR cannot intervene on yellow-card decisions. Roache ultimately described it as normal football contact and offered a direct apology to Skov Olsen.
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