Celtic have issued a strongly worded statement calling into question the “lack of consistency” in the SFA’s disciplinary procedures after Ryan Christie received a three match ban for an incident in the Glasgow derby.
Celtic Football Club statement regarding Ryan Christie’s sanction ⬇️
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 6, 2020
The main controversy surrounding Christie’s ban is that “victim” Alfredo Morelos committed a similar offence last season only to escape punishment because the match official on the day, John Beaton, saw the incident and deemed it not worthy of further punishment, The Daily Record has printed an article explaining the justification of the SFA’s recent actions but it will have done little to appease Hoops fans.
The compliance officer’s role has been under constant scrutiny to the extent that the SFA had to clarify Clare Whyte’s role in their procedures, although Celtic feel the current system isn’t fit for purpose, they stopped short of echoing Rangers claims for the introduction of VAR.
Would VAR solve the SFA's disciplinary procedure problems?
Yes
No
Despite the ban not affecting Christie’s availability due to him undergoing groin surgery after the clash against Rangers, fans of the Parkhead club took to Twitter to vent their anger at not only the governing body but at their own board’s reluctance to really make a stand at the perceived injustice.
Let me help with the statement. Dear Corrupt Governing Body, despite being on the brink of another historic quadruple of trebles, we are withdrawing our entry to YOUR Scottish Cup. I know we have the full backing of our support in doing so. We wish you well with your sponsors.
— Jamesyisherefor10inarow (@trebletrebleye1) January 6, 2020
Christie’s ban signals that no holds are barred in stopping #10InARow – its the no. 1 priority for the SFA. If ever there was a time for Pistol Pete to come out all (smoking) guns blazing its now, but all we get is a weak “what a pity” shoulder shrug of a statement – PATHETIC!
— ☯CarlJungleBhoy❋ (@CarlJungleBhoy) January 6, 2020
Is this @gerrymcculloch1’s work?
Bland, passive garbage from @CelticFC
— CG44 (@Ticketustastic) January 6, 2020
You reap what you sow. Had ample opportunity to stick it to the SFA and refused to do so. Cannot bump your gums now
— Brushwood (@peacenjam) January 6, 2020
That is so weak and cowardly you would have been as well saying nothing. You better start getting vocal on these things or expect a backlash from us fans (or as you prefer ‘customers’) who have been paying thousands every year to support our team. You dont deserve our support.
— 45% Stood Tall (@1888_Originals) January 6, 2020
Bland and accepting SFA corruption. Very disappointing HH
— Celtic Gossip (@CelticGossip) January 6, 2020
I sent a stronger worded statement to the council about a street lamp that isnt working last week .
— James Patrick (@JPFlawless82) January 6, 2020
The SFA have contacted member clubs to garner opinion on the introduction of VAR, in it’s current guise it may be clumsy but at least it would give greater assistance to Scottish referees and remove the subjective nature of their current, and flawed, system.