McGlynn: Refs won't get me

30 November 2012 15:05
Hearts manager John McGlynn has suggested some referees go in search of an argument and favours ignoring officials altogether.
                                           
St Johnstone boss Steve Lomas was this week handed an eight-match touchline ban, while Celtic boss Neil Lennon, Kilmarnock manager Kenny Shiels and others have been regularly sanctioned by the Scottish Football Association. McGlynn was twice sent to the stand earlier in his career and vowed to avoid the punishment in future. The former Raith boss said:

"I never say a word to the referee. Every game I say to myself: 'don't get involved with the referee'.

"I think they know that as well and they're trying their best, but they'll not win, because I'll never get sent to the stand. I'm winning."

McGlynn used an example from last weekend's 0-0 draw at Motherwell in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, a fixture during which Darren Randolph and Callum Paterson collided. Referee Crawford Allan did not take action, but the Motherwell goalkeeper was this week handed a retrospective two-match ban for violent conduct. McGlynn said: "The referee came and stood right at the dugout waiting for a confrontation. I didn't bother.

"I try my best not to get involved. I'm representing the football club and I'm trying to show a good aspect of the football club, that I'm not a fruit and nut case.

"The most important things are the players and my close staff. They know how passionate you are."

Speaking ahead of Sunday's William Hill Scottish Cup fourth round clash with Hibernian, McGlynn expressed surprise that Bobby Madden had been appointed to a Hearts fixture for the fifth time this season. He joked about their relationship, saying Madden, who is to be fourth official at Easter Road, "comes for tea". McGlynn accepts his comments on officials will see him scrutinised on Sunday and made reference to comments from Hibs counterpart Pat Fenlon, who was banned for an offensive gesture during the Scottish Cup final loss to Hearts in May.

"I've put myself right in the firing line, but if I keep my hands in my pockets I'll be fine," he said.

Source: team_talk