The Scottish Football Association have announced they are planning legal action against Paul McBride QC over comments he made to BBC Scotland in which he accused them of bias towards Rangers.
McBride, who has represented Celtic boss Neil Lennon in front of the SFA, spoke out in the wake of Tuesday's news that Rangers trio Ally McCoist, Madjid Bougherra and El-Hadji Diouf had all escaped bans following last month's explosive Old Firm Scottish Cup clash at Parkhead.
That outcome saw McBride launch a scathing attack on the governing body. But a statement issued by the SFA read: "Scottish FA chief executive Stewart Regan would like to make the following points: We note that Paul McBride does not act on behalf of or as a spokesman for Celtic FC, its manager, or anyone associated with the club."
McCoist successfully appealed against a two-match ban after being charged with misconduct for clashing with Lennon - who was given a four-match suspension - after the game on March 2.
Bougherra and Diouf escaped with fines and a warning about their future conduct after facing the SFA's disciplinary committee to answer a case of "misconduct of a significantly serious nature".
The statement added: "In making his unjustified and inflammatory remarks, Paul McBride appears to be acting as a self-publicist and not as a QC. Paul McBride's wild and inaccurate statements are defamatory and appear to be malicious.
"The Scottish FA is now considering, with the benefit of legal advice, whether to sue just Paul McBride for damages or whether to also sue other parties. A formal complaint is being made to the Faculty of Advocates with respect to the way in which Paul McBride has allowed himself to be held out as making comments to the media in his capacity as a QC.
"We are aware that many observers and members of the public would appreciate clarity on the decisions made at yesterday's meeting of the Disciplinary Committee. It would be inappropriate to comment publicly on committee decisions until the seven-day timeframe for any appeal has elapsed."
The SFA's former chief executive Gordon Smith had also refuted any accusation of bias, saying in his own interview with BBC Scotland: "To say bias in favour of anybody, I don't think so. But it's hard to get that across. People have that mindset.
"I never saw any evidence of any bias whatsoever in almost three years."
Source: PA
