Celtic chairman calls on referees to declare allegiances

CELTIC chairman John Reid has called for the Scottish Football Association to consider asking referees to declare their allegiances as part of the review of their decision-making processes.

Speaking at Celtic's AGM, the former Labour Home Secretary (pictured) expressed interest in a plan put forward by a Scottish National Party MP for referees to be excluded from games involving their favourite team.

Pete Wishart, the MP for Perth and North Perthshire, this week claimed advances in freedom of information should be applied to refereeing decisions.

Recently-appointed SFA chief executive Stewart Regan is pushing ahead with proposals to make the governing body's procedures more transparent and expedient.

Regan's review was sparked by his frustration over the obstacles faced during his investigation into the circumstances surrounding referee Dougie McDonald's decision to rescind a penalty he initially awarded to Celtic against Dundee United.

Reid said today: "Maybe Peter Wishart's proposals about referees declaring their allegiances should be considered as part of the process.

"That does not undermine but protects and bolsters the authority of referees."

Regan insisted his inquiry was not prompted by Celtic's quest for clarification over the penalty U-turn.

The club have since written to the SFA seeking an explanation for a penalty given to Rangers by Willie Collum during the Light Blues' 3-1 win at Celtic Park, while manager Neil Lennon also complained vehemently about decisions made in their 2-0 defeat by Hearts.

But Reid said: "We don't seek special treatment. We never claimed that.

"We are not without fault or better than anyone else but we will not be treated less than anyone else - those days are gone."

Reid added: "We fully support the inquiry and review of the SFA structure and procedures.

"It's less than we would have liked. We would have liked an independent inquiry, but it is long overdue.

"We support it and welcome the endeavours of the new chief executive.

"But the systems and procedures have to be applied objectively and to everyone - officials as well as players, managers and directors."

In an apparent reference to McDonald's confession that he lied about the events surrounding his U-turn, and claims from Tannadice assistant referee Steven Craven that he was subjected to bullying from his SFA bosses, allegations strenuously denied, Reid added: "Accusations of lies, bullying, conspiracy to lie have to be dealt with in all due seriousness if we are to retain confidence in the system."

• Celtic have confirmed their investigation into an anti-poppy banner remains ongoing as chief executive Peter Lawwell criticised those responsible for the protest at the AGM.