Hotline
ANOTHER week and another SFA disciplinary case over Covid-19 breaches – but on the Hotline it’s the governing body who find themselves in the dock.
Rangers duo Jordan Jones and George Edmundson were hammered with seven-game bans for attending a private party where they mingled with revellers from other households.
It follows lesser suspensions handed out to the Aberdeen Eight, Celtic’s Boli Bolingoli and Dundee United defender Mark Connolly.
Earlier this month Celtic boss Neil Lennon accused the Scottish Government of double standards for not publicly condemning Jones and Edmundson, adding ministers “threw Celtic under a bus” over Bolingoli.
But Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, said: “Lennon goes on about double standards. As a Rangers fan I don’t think Jones will play for the club again and possibly the same with Edmundson but quite frankly there has been a huge injustice regarding the differences in punishment between guilty parties during Covid-19.
“How can the SFA justify such differences in the punishments for similar offences?”
Jimmy Strangers, Tranent, agreed: “Seven-game bans for Edmundson and Jones and rightly so. But the sporting integrity question rears its ugly head and asks why the heavy-handed punishment to Rangers players yet slaps on the wrists for the Celtic player and the Aberdeen Eight? Different rules and playing field for Rangers I think.”
But Stevie Delaney, St Andrews, said: “Good to see the SFA have come down heavily on Edmundson and Jones. Just a pity that Shane Duffy didn’t get an invite to the party.”
A week ago Scotland players, staff and supporters were waking up to the happiest of hangovers after clinching qualification for Euro 2020.
The headache’s turned nasty in the last few days though with two Nations League defeats and the U21s blowing their own chance to qualify for the Euros.
Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, said: “Not only Malky Mackay should have gone but the whole lot of them in charge – it’s top heavy for such a small nation.
“We must end this jobs for the boys and washed up ex-footballers and their cronies. It’s time to put all under one banner and end this gravy train of top earners who are just in it due to who they are not what they know. Our game is going nowhere fast so let’s have one government body to oversee all football and sport in all ranks.”
Robert McEwan, Mount Vernon, added some perspective: “How disappointing it is to read Scotland ‘fans’ moaning about the last two games – 22 years it took to qualify for another major tournament. Get a grip. By the time the Euros come the whole country will be buzzing and I am sure Steve Clarke will do well with this squad.”
Back to club matters and John Robertson has urged a young Celt to step up to the mark.
He said: “What has happened to young Karamoko Dembele this season? You would think with James Forrest and Mikey Johnston out injured he would be grabbing his opportunity.”
Kilmarnock fan James McClean, Isle of Bute, is far from happy and said: “Alex Dyer beggars belief with some of his crazy decisions. What boss would put on a sub with less than a minute to go when down 1-0 and not play one of our top players like Eamonn Brophy?
“I know we’re in the top six, just, but that’s no longer a hope for us. I think he will be away in January if not before as he is lost without Steve Clarke and it shows.”