Is Dougie Dougie preparing for his farewell?

Have the SFA come to an agreement allowing Dougie McDonald to end his refereeing career at his favourite ground?

A month after lying to Neil Lennon at Tannadice Dougie Dougie has been fast tracked back into the SPL and put in charge of Saturday’s Hibs-Motherwell match at Easter Road.

Refereeing matters are currently in turmoil with news that an internal investigation is being carried by the SFA into allegations that Dallas sent out an offensive email linking the pope to child abuse during his recent visit to Scotland.

Putting Dougie Dougie in charge of any match involving Celtic, Rangers or Dundee United would create uproar and a no win situation for the official and clubs involved.

Having a ‘top flight’ official that can’t be put in charge of 25% of the clubs in the SPL is a situation that even the SFA would find difficult to tolerate and justify.

A long standing tradition in the game has been to reward officials with a game at Ibrox their favourite ground for their final appointment.

At the end of the 97/98 season Bobby Tait’s efforts were recognised by giving him Rangers final home game of the season against Kilmarnock.

Tait’s pitchside farewell to the game was spoiled by an injury time goal from Ally Mitchell which turned the title race in Celtic’s favour.

According to the grapevine if Dougie Dougie has affection for any club it’s the green and white of Hibs, not that that would ever cloud his honesty or judgement.

With Hibs at home to Motherwell it could be that Dougie Dougie and the SFA have found the ideal fixture for the official to bow out of the game, perhaps on business grounds or some other reason.

Despite Motherwell’s promising start to the season the Fir Park club don’t carry much of a travelling support and manager Craig Brown is unlikely to get too vocal if Dougie Dougie makes a few mistakes.

Saturday’s Rangers-Aberdeen match and Remembrance Sunday are likely to reduce the spotlight on Easter Road allowing Dougie Dougie to make a relatively low key departure.

In a few months time he could re-emerge as a match observer or even take up a role within the SFA on the Referee Committee.

Joe Ledley questions red card decision.

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