Whistler Thomson praised for Euro display

Jun 28 2012 by Andy Newport, Paisley Daily Express

PAISLEY referee Craig Thomson has been praised for his performances at Euro 2012 after his duties at the prestigious tournament came to an end.

Scotland’s top whistler is heading home from his Warsaw base and can be proud of two faultless displays at his first major finals.

Now SFA referees chief John Fleming believes lawyer Thomson may have nailed down his place among the world’s best ‘men in black’.

The 40-year-old Buddie kicked-off his duties in Poland and Ukraine when he walked out alongside Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal’s Group B clash with Denmark.

He was then the man in the middle as the Czech Republic clinched a quarter-final place by defeating hosts Poland in the final round of Group A matches.

And Thomson – who was assisted on the trip by Erskine linesman Ally Ross – rounded off his Euro 2012 experience by taking on the role of fourth official for Spain’s quarter-final win over France on Saturday.

Fleming, who is the SFA’s Head of Referee Development, insists UEFA could not fail to have been impressed by Thomson’s displays.

He said: “Craig and his team were a credit to the SFA, the Scottish refereeing fraternity and the game in general in this country. They performed exceptionally well and will only have enhanced their reputation in the eyes of UEFA.

“It has been a terrific experience for them and Craig, in particular, coped admirably with the high-pressure environment of refereeing at a major championships.

“SFA chief executive Stewart Regan has sent his best wishes to Craig and his team and, after a well-deserved rest, we look forward to having this excellent group of officials fresh and ready for the challenges of next season.”

As well as Thomson and Ross, Scotland’s refereeing team at Euro 2012 consisted of Willie Collum, Euan Norris and Derek Rose.