Former top ref Des Roache has revealed Scotland's officials have been secretly 'coaching' players on the pitch for years. Suspicious fans across the country cried conspiracy theory after the latest VAR audio recordings went public on Monday - and revealed whistler Ross Hardie telling Rangers player Tom Lawrence not to tackle an opponent during his side's recent 6-0 romp over Ross County at Hampden.
But retired official Roache - speaking exclusively to Record Sport 's nightly online show Hotline Live - is adamant that such exchanges have been common practice for as long as he can remember.
Roache said: "Talking on the pitch to players is constant, whether it's me running by you and saying, 'Good pass or don't be silly!'.
That goes on. Saying 'Don't tackle!'? I don't agree with that because that is coaching. But in that situation, referees have done this for years and I'm quite surprised that it's causing a bit of consternation and discourse."Even going back to Kenny Clarke, John Rowbatham and John Underhill - these guys were constantly talking to players. 'Be careful.
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