Dallas is backing linesman.

Byline: Gary Ralston; Jim McLean

HUGH DALLAS last night leaped to the defence of under-fire linesman Martin Cryans.

The former FIFA official has backed the decision of Cryans not to award a controversial goal for Rangers at Easter Road.

Dallas, now referee development officer at the SFA, praised Cryans as one of the best officials in our game.

He has called on players to respect the calls made by the men in black after claims by Walter Smith and his squad that Cryans had boobed by chalking off Nacho Novo's'goal' in Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Hibs as they failed to return to the top of the SPL.

Dallas said: "The laws of the game state the whole ball must be over the line. The assistant referee was perfectly placed to make a judgment and I've no doubt he called it correctly.

"Martin is one of our top assistant referees, his decisionmaking is very consistent and that's why he was on this important match.

"Referee Eddie Smith also had a good game. Players must learn to respect the decisions made. Our officials make honest calls." Smith was particularly upset and agreed with the suggestion Cryans ran towards the halfway line after the 68th minute flashpoint, as if to indicate a goal should be awarded with a goal.