Ojo should be the last to suffer like this
Glass calls for rule change on punishment
STEPHEN GLASS hopes the Funso Ojo case can lead to future rule changes so nobody has to suffer the same kind of injustice as the Aberdeen star.
Ojo is suspended for Sunday’s Premiership clash with Celtic after he was controversially sent off against Dundee United last weekend.
The Belgian was allegedly pushed by a supporter and when he returned to the pitch he was shown a second yellow then a red for moving back towards the stand.
Aberdeen tried to appeal the decision but the SFA rulebook doesn’t allow it.
Glass hopes this can be used as a case study that will allow FIFA to let home nations address such a grey area.
The Dons boss said: “If that happens it’s probably a question of when it happens.
“People might complain it’s happened to them before and I think the SFA are probably wary of that.
“If they change it now someone might have suffered before and they’ll point to the rule change.
“When it’s for the greater good though common sense should prevail – like it should have done in this situation.”
Glass admitted Ojo is frustrated that he is being punished twice, getting sent off and then being suspended this weekend for the huge clash against the Hoops.
The Dons boss said: “He has been training normally.
“He shouldn’t have got sent off and he’s raring to go. So he’s frustrated at what’s gone on but he knows he’s got to sit out this week and it’s outwith his control. But as a guy he seems OK. We’re just making sure we’re here for him.
“I spoke to him on the bus on the way back north after the game, telling him how much we are all here to support him.
“He knows we are supportive and that we are here if he needs us. But he seems himself which is great.
“It’s commendable how he’s been through the whole thing.”
Glass was also sent off at half-time at Tannadice for comments made about referee
Bobby Madden but he has heard nothing from the SFA since then.
He said: “Nothing. We know Funso is suspended but Gunner ( football director Steven Gunn) and Laura (McCallum, general counsel) are dealing with what may or may not come in and how we look at that.”
Glass expects the Celtic support to show their appreciation towards Scott Brown when the nine-in-a-row legend makes his Parkhead return. But he knows his captain will be going all out to give the travelling Aberdeen fans something to shout about. He said: “Everything Scott did for Celtic and Celtic did for him – I’d imagine he’ll get a fitting tribute from their fans. “However, it’s a group of fans who want their team to win so during the game it might be a different matter.” The Dons head to Glasgow looking to end a run of two defeats. Glass has accused some of his team of being too soft defensively and knows Parkhead is the perfect stage for them to silence him and their critics.
He added: “When you lose games there’s an issue. The majority of goals we’ve lost have been through our own doing.
“That’s what I’m referring to with a little bit of softness that needs to go. There needs to be a little bit more ruthlessness at both ends.
“There is a softness in probably focus mentally and actually physically that has been causing us problems.
“The players are aware of it so it’s not something the players don’t know individually.”