Celtic call a truce in referee row

Almost three weeks have elapsed since referee Dougie McDonald rescinded a spot-kick award for Celtic in their Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Dundee United.

McDonald changed his mind after consultation with assistant referee Steven Craven, deeming that United keeper Dusan Pernis' challenge on Gary Hooper had been fair.

Celtic wrote to the SFA demanding clarification over the incident but Regan denied that the Parkhead club's correspondence prompted his investigation. McDonald was subsequently given a warning by the SFA's referees committee over his failure to properly articulate Craven's role in his report and in discussions with the referee observer.

Prior to the findings, Craven quit the game, unhappy that he had been cast as the instigator of the U-turn and then sensationally accused the SFA's head of referee development, Hugh Dallas, and his assistant, John Fleming, of "harassment and bullying" - which was refuted by Dallas. When McDonald admitted lying to Celtic manager Neil Lennon after the game many believed that his position was untenable, including Celtic striker Hooper, but the under-fire referee insisted he would carry on in the middle.

Following an SFA board meeting earlier in the week, Regan revealed his aims to bring more urgency and openness to the ruling body - a sentiment with which Parkhead chairman John Reid found favour. He said: "Following events at Tannadice, it was Celtic's absolute right to request clarification on a matter of this nature.

"Clearly, as a result of this investigation it is very unfortunate that dishonesty has been proven.

"However, we are encouraged by the proposals of the new chief executive, Stewart Regan, to _address a series of issues within the SFA and to allow greater transparency and openness in all future decision making. While we would have liked a review to be more independent in nature, Stewart Regan's objectives are to be applauded."