Glenn Loovens appeal against a retrospective one match ban has been rejected by the SFA.
The defender will be suspended for Saturday’s home match against Motherwell giving the Gary Caldwell-Stephen McManus partnership another chance.
The original offence was reported by Craig Thomson after reviewing the Rangers-Celtic match on May 9, so far Thomson has failed to report any incidents from the October 4 meeting between the clubs that he feels are worth reviewing.
A statement from the SFA said: “A Disciplinary Appeals Tribunal met today at the National Stadium, Hampden Park, to consider an Appeal from Celtic FC.
“This was in respect of a decision made by the Scottish FA’s Disciplinary Committee on 7th August regarding the player Glenn Loovens.
“Following a clash between the player concerned and Maurice Edu during the match Celtic v Rangers on 9th May of this year, the incident was referred to the SFA Review Panel. After consideration of the incident, the Review Panel then referred the matter to the Disciplinary Committee.
“The Committee found Glenn Loovens guilty of misconduct of a significantly serious nature and he was given a one match ban and had 12 points added to his 2008/2009 Disciplinary points total.
“Today the Disciplinary Appeals Tribunal refused the appeal. The suspension is effective immediately which will rule the player out of the Celtic v Motherwell match this Saturday.”
After Thomson’s performance in the recent Rangers-Celtic match this weekends referees will be under even greater scrutiny than ever despite an apology of sorts being issued by Hugh Dallas regarding one of the penalty incidents that Thomson missed on October 4.
When will David Weir appear in front of the Video Panel for his lunge on Scott McDonald at the last game at Ibrox.
When will Kyle Lafferty appear in front of the Video Panel for his assault on Stephen McManus while just on the park a few seconds at the last game at Ibrox.
When will Craig Thomson appear in front of the beaks for his woeful display at the last Celtic v Rangers game. Missed penalty decisions, deliberate hand ball, persistant fouling by David Weir.
Let's not engage in the Rangers way, we don't need to start the "whataboutery" employed by our southside neighbours whenever a wrong is pointed out.
Loovens has been dealt a punihsment, and we should accept that. It's not for us to ask why the SPL seem content to harangue Celtic players but choose to ignore similar and in some cases worse offences by Rangers players, let's leave that to the media who were quick to highlight Loovens' offending tackle, but chose to make a joke out of Lafftery (for example) kicking Zheng Zhi in the groin.
Oh hang on…
How do things get reported to the Video Panel?
What is the process? Who decides what is valid for Review?
I believe the SPL are duty bound to act on ANY complaint, whether it's by a member of the public or someone in the game in an official capacity.
All one needs to do is telephone the reception at the SPL and state that you wish to make a complaint in regards to the conduct of a player and that you wish the SPL to revivew an incident.
I believe Scott McDonald's referral was after a member of the Scots press had made the initial complaint (true story)
Generally Sir David will invite DJ and Chico round for some vintage vino at one of his various country retreats.
After a good laugh they'll highlight a few incidents and circulate their chronies and also tip off Hugh Dallas about what to expect.
A day or two after the match, in need of a follow follow up, they'll highlight the incident in their rags, Dallas will call for a review, the review will call for evidence, all other incidents are ignored, the witch hunt intensifies, Rangers get a few more decisions, referees look out for the guilty Celt and all is well with the world.
Maybe the SFA should check out this site!
It Can't Be Paranoia
Celtic are now questioning the SFA's Video Review Panels processes.
http://www.celticfc.net/news/stories/news_161009153400.aspx
I did the same yesterday!