It Doesn't Appeal

By Ed_ScottishFitba
Updated Friday, 30th November 2012

Scotland RSS Feed

The punishment system employed by the SFA is under criticism again

SFA new 2012
Kilmarnock's Kenny Shiels is looking for answers over the SFA's disciplinary system after one of his players lost his appeal for being sent off. It was a bad day for appeals as Motherwell goalkeeper Darren Randolph also failed to overturn a two-game penalty and St Johnstone manager Steve Lomas was hit with an eight-game ban (which included a suspended two-game ban). Rugby Park defender Manuel Pascali lost his appeal against a red card for a challenge on St Johnstone forward Nigel Hasselbaink while Randolph was punished for violent conduct over his clash with Hearts striker Callum Paterson. The Fast-Track system saw Lomas hearing about his ban less than 24 hours after being sent to the stand during a 1-0 defeat by Hibs. The Perth manager has suggested he was punished for kicking a water bottle in frustration at Hasselbaink's missed penalty.

Shiels, who was also hit with two SFA charges earlier this week, said: "The referee (Stevie O'Reilly) made a mistake. It was a blatant mistake. How they have come to this decision is quite unbelievable. We need answers. I want to see the report. I've lost a lot of faith in the system because the system isn't working."

Motherwell goalkeeping coach Gordon Marshall was not pleased that the panel did not take into account Randolph's need to protect himself when going for the ball. The Republic of Ireland international caught Paterson with his leg as he went for a high ball with referee Crawford Allan seeing nothing wrong at the time. Marshall said: "I think he is only protecting himself and with his momentum carrying him forward he can't get out the way. The two players collide but thankfully Callum Paterson has not been injured; probably more fright than anything else. Darren was 100 per cent committed to getting the ball. You have to be focused on the ball because if not there is a chance you will spill the ball. He jumps through the challenge and ends up hitting Callum Paterson and keeps the ball. I thought it was good positive goalkeeping. We got a fair hearing but in the end unless you have been in the position it's very difficult to talk about it. He's got a great disciplinary record and I thought that could have been taken into account."