The whole disciplinary process of the SFA is under threat with the James Keating’s decision adding further fuel to the fire.
On Monday Ian Maxwell came under scrutiny at a meeting of SPFL Premiership clubs with Celtic to the fore over the decision to charge Ryan Christie over an Act of Brutality.
The midfielder picked up a two match suspension despite a number of similar incidents which didn’t even attract a charge from the Compliance Officer never mind a suspension. Celtic issued a statement commenting on the worrying lack of consistecy in the SFA fast track process.
On Sunday Ayrshire referee Greg Aitken awarded a second yellow against Keatings for simulation during the Tunnock’s Challenge Cup semi-final against the Ibrox Colts.
I agree with the sentiments in the Inverness statement that the whole JPP, it’s terms and how it is implemented, need to be completely torn up and rewritten, starting with a blank sheet. More about football and the spirit of the game and much less legalese. https://t.co/4hGj5vZBrU
— Alan Burrows (@Alan_Burrows) February 19, 2020
Television coverage showed that there was clear contact with the forward, anyone with a passing knowledge of the sport would realise that the way Keatings fell to the ground couldn’t be simulated.
Caley Thistle were confident that the decision would be overturned on appeal but yesterday the SFA upheld the yellow card meaning that Keatings would miss the final against Raith Rovers.
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While the clubs kick off in horror the reality is that the SFA is a club’s organisation. Every rule is brought from the club’s with Committee Members and other office-holders voted in at the AGM.
This weekend Aitken will be the fourth official at the Hibs v Livingston Premiership match.