Craig Gordon calls for clarity over SFA's 'strange' disciplinary system
Celtic keeper Craig Gordon called for clarity in the Scottish Football Association's "clouded'' disciplinary procedure which he suggests leaves them open to questions around club allegiances.
Last updated 13th Sep 2018
A rule book change during the summer has resulted in several controversial decisions this season, the most recent being when a panel of three former referees decided that there was no case for Rangers keeper Allan McGregor to answer after his kick out at Hoops defender Kristoffer Ajer during the Old Firm game at Parkhead.
Ahead of the trip to St Mirren on Friday night, Gordon said: "It seems quite a clouded subject in how they get to the decisions.
"As far as I am aware it goes to the three (former) referees, that there is no comeback, you don't know who they are. It is a strange system.
"You never know who the referees are, who their allegiances (to) might be.
"I just think that is probably not the best way to go about it.
"I am not saying I have the answers but certainly if there are incidents that the referee misses, there has to be that system in place that there is retrospective action and they should be getting that right.''
Asked if the lack of retrospective punishment for McGregor could lead people to think perhaps some of those on the former referees panel might have a view for a certain reason, Gordon said: "We don't know who the panel is, so it is hard to know either way.
"I just think it makes it look like there is that possibility and it shouldn't be that.
"We just need to know what exactly is happening, what is violent conduct and what is not and then everybody abides by those laws and gets on with it.''
Scotland's referees are reportedly seeking urgent clarification and guidance from football's lawmakers over what constitutes a straight red card following the early-season controversies.
Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos was sent off at Pittodrie on the opening weekend for kicking Aberdeen defender Scott McKenna but that was later reduced to a yellow after a successful appeal.
The following weekend Hearts striker Steven Naismith avoided retrospective disciplinary action after kicking out at Celtic winger Jonny Hayes.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers admitted he was "not really'' sure as to what is a red and yellow card offence.
He said: "It probably needs clarification.
"We have seen a number of incidents in this early part of the season where players have been punished or not punished.
"So it's probably just clarity needed and a voice within the federation can let everyone know.
"I have seen something around brutality on the pitch.
"Unfortunately that's the police that deals with that, that is not for the referee.
"If there is excessive force or something like that then that would merit a red card.
"But it is then open to interpretation.
"But it would be nice to know the panel and how they would come to that conclusion.'