SFA uphold lifetime ban on referee

Referee Steven Craven has had his appeal against a lifetime ban from the game rejected by the Scottish Football Association.

Craven, a former Scottish Premier League linesman, resigned following his involvement in the Dundee United versus Celtic game at Tannadice last year, a match which became infamous due to referee Dougie McDonald’s controversial decision to overturn a penalty given to the visitors.

Craven admitted his part in originally trying to cover up the incident and although he subsequently resigned, he was hoping to continue as an official at amateur level.

However, he was barred from taking charge of any games by the Glasgow Referee’s Association, a decision that was upheld at Hampden.

Speaking outside the national stadium, Craven’s lawyer said: “My client is shocked and disappointed by the SFA’s decision. My client maintains the original decision of the Glasgow Referee’s Association to subject him to a lifetime refereeing ban was wholly disproportionate . . . and fundamentally flawed, rendering the original decision unsafe.

“My client will now explore all his options with his legal team.”