Rangers manager Walter Smith believes referees are under pressure in every game, not just Old Firm derbies.
The performances of match officials have dominated the headlines in recent days. Assistant referee Steven Craven tendered his resignation just days after the controversy surrounding Celtic's rescinded penalty against Dundee United. And it has emerged that Willie Collum received threats after Sunday's Old Firm derby.
UEFA president Michel Platini, a guest at that game, said this week that referees in general need to be masochists to do the job and Smith added: "I agree with him, there is no doubt that would be the case. Fair play to them for doing it."
Smith continued: "I think there is a pressure placed on referees just now in every game, not just in Sunday's Old Firm game.
"There are cameras at most matches and any kind of error that a referee makes is being highlighted. In fact, probably more than errors made on the pitch by players and by managers as well in terms of setting out their teams and tactics. We've just got to be careful with that but I think there has been enough said about that recently so I think I'll bow out of that one."
Collum received a number of threatening phone calls following Sunday's Glasgow derby at Parkhead, the Scottish Football Association confirmed.
The 31-year-old made his debut in the fixture and was criticised by Celtic manager Neil Lennon for awarding Rangers a penalty in the second half of the 3-1 win for the visitors.
The official reportedly answered a number of phone-calls at his Lanarkshire home with the caller threatening to "go after him and his wife and children".
It is understood that Collum reported the calls to the police but turned down the offer of protection outside his home.
SFA spokesman Darryl Broadfoot told the Daily Record: "Willie received a number of threatening calls at his home on Sunday night, one of which was taken by his wife. This kind of behaviour is abhorrent and has no place in football."
Source: PA
