SFA back referee McDonald

29 October 2010 16:00

Dougie McDonald has been cleared over his decision to rescind a penalty awarded to Celtic during their 2-1 victory over Dundee United, but the referee has accepted his match report was not up to standard.

The Scottish Football Association's referees committee unanimously decided that McDonald was correct to order a drop ball after initially pointing to the spot following United goalkeeper Dusan Pernis' challenge on Gary Hooper.

But the findings of an SFA inquiry ruled that the "post-match administrative process" was not completed to the usual standard, a point McDonald has accepted.

Assistant referee Steven Craven, who was consulted by McDonald before the referee reversed the decision, quit the professional game amid the furore after being cast as the instigator of the U-turn.

Source: PA