New booze row twist as Gordon Smith says SFA will review Burley's decision to axe Ferguson and McGregor

Apr 1 2009

THE row over Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor's axing from the Scotland team over their boozing has taken a new twist after SFA chief Gordon Smith refused to back George Burley over his decision to drop the pair.

Smith revealed he will meet with Burley after the clash with Iceland and ask him to justify axing the Rangers duo, who the Scotland boss caught indulging in a late-night drinking session at the team hotel during the weekend.

Burley discovered the pair in the bar area of the Cameron House Hotel in Loch Lomond hours after their team-mates had retired to their rooms following the squad's return from Saturday's 3-0 defeat in Holland.

The players apologised for their behaviour today and it was confirmed this afternoon that both would start on the bench at Hampden for tonight's must-win Group Nine clash.

Speaking at Hampden ahead of tonight's game, Smith revealed Burley did not consult him or the SFA board over the matter.

He told Sky Sports News: "We weren't involved in the decision at all. It's George's decision how he was going to deal with the situation that's arisen.

"He has to deal with behaviour and any sanctions that are taken.

"He also picks the team 100%.

"It's his decision whether the players are away from the squad.

"We have to give him autonomy in that respect. But we'll be reviewing the situation - I've told George that."

When he was asked if he supported Burley's decision to drop the pair, Smith said: "He's made a decision; I know exactly why he's done it - he's told me his reasons.

"I'm going along with that just now.

"After the game's passed, George and I will have an opportunity to sit down and discuss what's happened in the last few days and review the situation and how it's been dealt with."

The pair both featured against Holland during Saturday's 3-0 defeat, but will start the Hampden clash on the bench.

"Obviously, George feels they have perhaps a role to play should they be required," said Smith, who appointed Burley as manager in January 2008.

"I didn't know until I came here tonight; I wasn't speaking to George about that aspect of it. But I now find that they're on the bench."

He added: "The players have apologised for the incident that happened so I think that had a significant part to play.

"Every manager has to deal with disciplinary matters. Sometimes the managers can go the full way and act very strongly.

"And on other occasions - and I've know it myself in the past through my football career - the manager can sometimes see a situation as being over once an apology has been made.

"Maybe he just wants to keep the team spirit as it is without making any drastic changes for tonight."

Taken from the Daily Record