Scottish Football Association chief executive Stewart Regan has announced the resignation of assistant referee Steven Craven as the fall-out to Celtic's controversial 2-1 Clydesdale Bank Premier League win at Dundee United continued.
Regan today met to discuss the events of the October 17 match with Hugh Dallas, the SFA's head of referee development, as well as the fixture's referee, Dougie McDonald, and Craven, his assistant on the day.
Following the meeting at Hampden Park, Regan said: "I can confirm that I have met with the relevant match officials and members of the referee departments regarding the events that occurred during the recent Clydesdale Bank Premier League match between Dundee United and Celtic. I can also confirm that Steven Craven has tendered his resignation and will no longer officiate in the professional game."
Regan added: "I hope to conclude the investigation within the next 48 hours and will make further comment at that time."
With the Clydesdale Bank Premier League game on Tayside level at 1-1, McDonald awarded Celtic a penalty then controversially changed his mind after consulting with Craven. Despite scoring a last-gasp winner through Gary Hooper, Celtic boss Neil Lennon was furious at the referee's U-turn and the fall-out continued all last week.
Dallas made a statement applauding McDonald for arriving at the "right decision in the end" but Craven was reportedly angry that it was not made clear that, contrary to perception, he did not instigate the discussion with McDonald.
It was reported that since the fixture, Craven has been the victim of threatening remarks with his teenage sons suffering verbal abuse. The official's resignation was anticipated and it was confirmed on Monday.
It is believed there is growing concern among the refereeing fraternity about the increasingly stressful conditions in which they are being asked to perform, something which was exemplified ahead of Sunday's Old Firm game at Parkhead by Celtic boss Lennon appealing to Willie Collum, making his debut in the fixture, to "get the big decisions right".
While officials will accept criticism for major mistakes, there is real concern not only about the forensic examination of decisions, but the current climate of innuendo and inference about agendas and bias which pose possible safety fears for them and their families.
Last month Dallas had to dissuade referee Brian Winter from quitting the game following his failure to send off Steven Anderson at Tannadice, despite showing the St Johnstone defender two yellow cards in the game against Dundee United.
Source: PA
