CONTROVERSIAL calls from referees is nothing new in an Old Firm derby.

Despite several flashpoints in recent years, there is one moment from a New Year's clash more than 30 years ago that caused quite a stir...

Debbie (Paisley) – Can you give details of the 1970s new year Old Firm game when Rangers scored as the Celtic team were complaining to the referee?

This was one of the most controversial Old Firm matches ever, with the Ibrox classic actually played on January 7, 1978.

Rangers took the lead through Gordon Smith in the 35th minute. Immediately after the restart, Celtic raced up the park only to be denied a strong penalty claim when Joe Craig was pushed in the box.

As the visitors surrounded referee John Gordon to argue the call, the ball was eventually worked to John Greig, who stabbed it into the empty net in the 37th minute.

Incandescent with rage, Celtic initially refused to restart until trainer Neil Mochan ran on to the pitch to prompt them.

Amid the chaos, Jock Stein had to usher several Celtic fans back into the stands when they threatened to charge the pitch. The game finished 3-1.

ANDY MARTIN (Lanark) – On holiday this year, I met a Colchester fan. On learning that my team is Motherwell, he told me that his club once had a former Well player as manager. Who was it?

He probably was referring to Bobby Roberts, who made almost 100 appearances for the Steelmen.

In 1976/77, he led Colchester to promotion into the then Third Division of the Football League.

IAN (Milton) – Did Andy Gray score a double for Scotland at Hampden?

On September 8, 1976, Scotland beat Finland 6-0 at Hampden in an international challenge match. Andy scored a goal in each half. The other scorers were Rioch, Masson, Dalglish and Eddie Gray.

Seven years later Andy netted another double for Scotland in a game against Canada in Toronto.

Dougie Martin (Wishaw) – I am sure that in Now You Know a year or two back, you provided information about a Scotsman who played for Real Madrid. I can't recall his name – can you help?

The only Scot who ever played for Real was John Fox Watson. He was born in Hamilton on December 31, 1917.

He played for Douglas Juniors and joined Bury just at the start of World War II. After the war, he joined Fulham before moving to Real Madrid as a player/coach in 1948.

He played in only one match for Madrid, a 3-1 away defeat to Celta Vigo. In 1949 he returned to Britain to play for Crystal Palace.