I knew red-card appeal was doomed when Collum got Celtic-Rangers tie
KILLIE BOSS CLARKE SLAMS SFA
FURIOUS Kilmarnock boss Steve Clarke has accused the SFA of ‘pre-judging’ Gary Dicker’s red-card appeal because they could not be seen to criticise referee Willie Collum ahead of tomorrow’s Old Firm game.
Dicker was sent off by Collum for what was widely viewed as a routine challenge on Hearts winger Callumn Morrison during last weekend’s 1-0 defeat for the Ayrshire side at Rugby Park.
But Killie’s appeal against a charge of serious foul play was rejected by an independent panel on Wednesday and Clarke is now on a collision course with the SFA after claiming they were never going to find in his club’s favour because it would have put the official in a bad light.
Clarke, who also maintained bigger clubs receive favourable treatment when it comes to appeals and retrospective action, said: ‘I’m disappointed but not surprised by the decision of the confidential panel, who chose to ignore our appeal and back the referee’s original decision.
‘An appeal process that excludes the people involved, namely the player, the referee and officials of the appealing club from putting forward their case face-to-face with the panel will sometimes be open to strange and inconsistent outcomes.
‘This panel will usually be made up of three people and will, in all probability, include no former players, coaches or managers who understand football and the decisions that are made within a game.
‘My belief — and that of the majority of people with a good knowledge of football — would say that Gary’s tackle was an effort to win the ball without malice or recklessness and with minimal contact on an opponent, who proceeded to roll around as if seriously hurt only to get back to his feet after the red card.
‘The period of time between the tackle and the red card was ridiculously short and lacked a calm and rational approach from such an experienced official.
‘Maybe smaller clubs like ourselves are fair game. I’m in no way surprised at the outcome of our appeal. As soon as I heard the news that the referee in question had been appointed to take charge of the Old Firm match before our hearing I, and many other people, knew that the decision would go against us.
‘There is no doubt that the perception of most — and of our club — is that the hearing was pre-judged by this appointment.
‘I would like to reiterate my support for Scottish referees. I believe I have been a big voice in supporting these sometimes maligned figures and — despite issues like this — they will continue to have my respect and support.’
Dicker will be suspended for two games, starting with today’s tough trip to Aberdeen, but winger Aaron Tshibola, who has returned on loan from Aston Villa, or Scotland Under-21 midfielder Iain Wilson could replace him.
Greg Stewart, who spent last season on loan at Pittodrie, could also start after a temporary deal was agreed with Birmingham City.
And Clarke yesterday brought in 20-year-old Wolves forward Bright Enobakhare on loan until January. The Nigerian scored two goals in 26 appearances for the club during last season’s Championship-winning campaign.
‘It’s great to have signed a player of Bright’s quality,’ said Clarke, who lost out to Dunfermline in a move for Robbie Muirhead.
Meanwhile, Dons boss Derek McInnes has emerged from the transfer window satisfied he has assembled a stronger squad than the one that beat Rangers to second place last season.
Kenny McLean, Ryan Christie, Anthony O’Connor and Adam Rooney have all departed but McInnes is delighted with their replacements.
He has added Stephen Gleeson, Chris Forrester and Lewis Ferguson to midfield and, as well as having Mikey Devlin available in defence, McInnes has boosted his options by bringing in Watford’s Tommie Hoban and Derby’s Max Lowe on loan. Manchester United striker James Wilson has also arrived on a temporary switch.
‘I think we are stronger through the middle of the park,’ said McInnes. ‘We have better options up front and have recruited well defensively. I’m pleased with the options that we have.’