Scottish Football Association chief executive Stewart Regan has hit out at Labour MP Jim Sheridan who called for an independent inquiry into the governing body in a bid to root out any "bias or bigotry".
Regan, who is in the process of reforming the SFA's decision-making procedures, described Sheridan's comments as "grossly misguided". The MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North had revealed details of a letter he planned to send to Regan in several newspapers. Sheridan called for the SFA to divulge their views on their structure and "conspiracy theories" surrounding referee decisions.
Regan responded: "I am surprised by the comments attributed in the media to Jim Sheridan MP. Mr Sheridan spoke publicly before making any effort to contact me or ascertain details of the work currently ongoing to improve our game. Mr Sheridan's comments on alleged bias within the Scottish FA are divisive, grossly misguided and deeply unhelpful."
He added: "He has called for an independent review, when it is widely known that the former First Minister, Henry McLeish, presented the first part of his completely independent review of Scottish football earlier this year, and that part two is due to be published imminently."
Regan, who joined the SFA from Yorkshire County Cricket Club in the autumn, added: "My intention to conduct a review of internal processes at the Scottish FA has also been widely reported.
"Finally, with regard to Mr Sheridan's comments on referees, we have, again, already stated our intention to work with all relevant parties to create a referees' charter.
"In short, we are in the process of addressing every point Mr Sheridan makes, and I would be happy to meet with him to clarify these details.
"I am also interested to hear more on the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee's renewed interest in Scottish football, and am especially keen to find out what level of support they are able to offer the game going forward."
Sheridan's comments came after a turbulent period for the SFA. Regan promised reforms to ensure more speedy and transparent decisions after being frustrated by the obstacles faced when conducting an investigation into Dougie McDonald's decision to overturn a penalty decision for Celtic.
McDonald later quit amid pressure from Celtic at the end of a weekend when he and his fellow category one referees had withdrawn their labour in protest at their treatment from some fans and club officials.
Source: PA
