Kasper Schmeichel accused of VANDALISM by ex ref as Celtic goalkeeper told what fans think of 'pathetic' antics

The goalkeeper was spotted scuffing up the penalty spot before Ronan Hale's opener for Ross County

Ex referee Steve Conroy has eviscreated Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel branding his penalty spot antics during the clash with Ross County "vandalism."

The former top flight official was left raging after the dark arts from the Danish shot-stopper were picked up by the Sky Sports' cameras - as he scuffed up the spot in order to make it awkward for Ronan Hale to take the shot from 12-yards. The County striker would see his penalty saved by Schmeichel, before being allowed a re-take as the Celtic No. 1 was off his line.

The Irishman would convert from the spot when handed a second chance by referee Kevin Clancy - but Schmeichel has been criticised for in the build-up. Former Celtic hero Chris Sutton was among the first to call out the keeper, while Hoops' diehards were less than impressed. Hale himself admitted there had been 'gamesmanship' on show.

Conroy insisted the move as straight from the schoolyard: "That stuff is what you b****** people coming through doing bloody primary school games, trying that stuff. Grow up.

"Apart from it should be a yellow card for stupidity, that is vandalism. That is someone's property, stop digging that up. It is embarrassing."

When it was noted on the Behind the Whistles podcast that the Celtic fans also didn't like what their goalkeeper did in the Premiership clash, Conroy went on: "What these people forget is he is just in the door and he will pretend he knows about the history and all that, but no matter what team you are playing for, they represent your team and what your team stands for.

"I don't think anybody, no matter what team, would stand for someone digging up a penalty spot like a school kid. It's pathetic."

Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football.