Source: Team_Talk
SFA explain McGregor ban
ew SFA chief executive Stewart Regan has explained the process which led to Rangers' Allan McGregor receiving a retrospective one-match ban.[LNB] McGregor is banned from the home SPL game against Motherwell on Saturday after being found guilty of violent conduct in the match against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.[LNB]None of the match officials noticed his attempted kick at Dons striker Chris Maguire, but the SFA took action almost a fortnight after the incident took place and while the keeper was preparing to play for Scotland against the Czech Republic in a Euro 2012 qualifier.[LNB]Rangers boss Walter Smith described the current disciplinary system as unfair, while Hoops' boss Neil Lennon looked for transparency, agreeing with his Old Firm counterpart that the Glasgow giants are more open to this kind of disciplinary procedure.[LNB]Regan, who only officially started in the post last week, issued a statement trying to clarify a number of points which have been raised.[LNB]He said: "In light of recent publicity surrounding Allan McGregor's retrospective punishment for violent conduct in Rangers' Scottish Premier League match against Aberdeen, I would like to clarify a few points which, hopefully, will better explain the process that culminated in the one-match suspension imposed.[LNB]"Firstly, I can understand the media and supporter interest in the situation that arose at the start of the international double-header.[LNB]"The timing was unfortunate - and not how I intended to spend my first day in office - but the investigation process is designed to ensure violent conduct is eradicated from the game, while also providing a support network for match officials who may have missed such instances.[LNB]"There are elements of the process that I, as a newcomer to the Scottish FA, am not entirely content with.[LNB]"I have already requested a tightening-up of certain elements which I believe will help improve the transparency and functionality of the procedure.[LNB]"It is my intention that formal notification of investigations will be made sooner and that a fixed timescale for any subsequent appeal is established.[LNB]"It should be noted that, compared to previous procedures, the current investigation system is now completed within a two-week timeframe and is therefore more efficient.[LNB]"In response to some questions raised in the last few days, I would point out the following: It is the responsibility of the Referee Development Department and Disciplinary Department to be aware of instances that may be worthy of investigation.[LNB]"This will be highlighted primarily by using television footage or feedback from the referee observers.[LNB]"While some of our more prominent clubs argue that their media exposure leaves them unfairly at risk of such investigations, I would point out that, adopting the same principle, they are also in a position to have a higher percentage of Claims for Wrongful Dismissal acted upon."[LNB]Regan continued: "Furthermore, we have dealt with many cases from lower divisions using club television or analysis footage.[LNB]"The process, when initiated by the Chief Executive, is referred to an independent review panel before being ratified by the chairman of the Disciplinary Committee.[LNB]"This is a far more streamlined process than previously was the case.[LNB]"The review panel consists of a pool of former players, with input from PFA Scotland, former managers, with input from the League Managers' Association, and former referees.[LNB]"It ensures a cross-section of opinion across the football family but to reveal their identities on a case-by-case basis would be detrimental to the integrity of the process.[LNB]"Finally, it has been mentioned that while the process deals with misconduct missed by a referee, it does not include instances where it is believed a referee 'maybe didn't judge properly'.[LNB]"This falls under the category of Claims for Wrongful Dismissal, a procedure with which clubs are familiar.[LNB]"It should be emphasised, though, that the investigation process is designed to assist match officials.[LNB]"To intervene in instances that fall between investigations into incidents missed by a match official and claims of wrongful dismissal would compromise the authority of referees in relation to the Laws of the Game."
