SIR KENNY ON...

The SFA need to take stock of their Appeals Panel procedure and I can’t help but feel they are leaving themselves wide open to be criticised.

Steven Gerrard, Steve Clarke, Derek McInnes and Craig Gordon have all had their say in the past week or two.

They’ve all been less than complimentary of the performances of the referees and, subsequently, the decisions not to overturn key decisions, such as the red cards given to Gary Dicker and Mikey Devlin.

Others are also bemused about Allan McGregor (above) not being given a retrospective ban after he kicked out at Kris Ajer in the Old Firm game. Referee Willie Collum missed the incident in live play.

So, to help avoid criticism and remove any doubt, they should ask themselves if the Appeals Panel could be more independent.

Is it right to have former referees or others on panels with a connection to the SFA in some shape or form?

I believe the principle of the system is right but procedure needs looked at. We all agree that the review system is not there to embarrass or ridicule a referee. It’s there to reach the right decision.

But, as long as you don’t have complete outsiders making the decisions on appeals, the SFA will always leave themselves open to accusations.

That can’t be healthy for anyone.