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Gordon: No names, no trust in judicial panel
CRAIG GORDON last night insisted the SFA’s shadowy disciplinary panel has left the body wide open to accusations of bias. The Celtic and Scotland goalie
believes the organisation will never be trusted while members of its judicial panel remain anonymous.
Record Sport yesterday revealed that the SFA have contacted the International Football Association Board for guidance on the changing of its rules as to what constitutes a red card.
It comes in the wake of a series of controversial decisions this season that have led to accusations of inconsistency.
The disciplinary system was revamped in the summer to include three former refs to judge on offences missed by officials and oversee appeals.
It’s understood the panel is made up of members of the SFA referee committee – formed from former officials.
But Gordon said: “It seems quite a clouded subject. As far as I’m aware, it goes to three (former) referees. There’s no comeback and you don’t know who they are.
“It’s a strange system, you never know who the referees are or what their allegiances might be. I just think that’s probably not the best way to go about it.
“I’m not saying I’ve got the answers but certainly if the referee misses things there has to be that system in place for retrospective action and they should be getting that right.”
The Hoops No.1 made it clear he wasn’t questioning the integrity of anyone but added: “We don’t know who the panel is so it’s hard to know either way. It makes it look like there’s that possibility and it shouldn’t be that way.
“We just need to know exactly what’s happening, what is violent conduct and what’s not.”
Commenting on the decision to clear Rangers keeper Allan McGregor for his kick at Celtic’s Kris Ajer, Gordon said: “I don’t think it makes a difference to points or to the league.
“It’s just about getting decisions right.”
Boss Brendan Rodgers added: “It would be nice to know the panel, their thoughts and how they come to a conclusion.
“It’s three former referees, you are purely seeing it from a refereeing perspective. Former players and managers can give other angles and you can then probably make a better decision.”
Rodgers also revealed he is keen to tie down Leigh Griffiths, James Forrest and Scott Brown on new deals.
The Celtic gaffer said: “It’s pretty close with Leigh. It’s virtually agreed.”
Rodgers expects Forrest to follow and is backing skipper Brown to remain a mainstay as well as looking down the line at coaching. He said: “Scott is still fit. He has a great tactical brain.”