Regan seeks some respect for referees

Scottish Football Association chief executive Stewart Regan plans a "respect" campaign after his first month in the post was dominated by refereeing controversy.

In his first media conference since taking on his role, Regan yesterday delivered the outcome of an unprecedented investigation into a refereeing decision.

The former Yorkshire County Cricket Club chief executive instigated the inquiry into Dougie McDonald's decision to rescind a penalty he initially gave to Celtic during their 2-1 Clydesdale Bank Premier League win over Dundee United on October 17.

Despite the ruling itself initially being the point of controversy, with Celtic writing to the SFA seeking clarification, the technicalities of the U-turn became the focus of the inquiry.

For several days after the match, SFA head of referees Hugh Dallas explained that McDonald had changed his mind after being alerted to his mistake by assistant Steven Craven. Craven became the subject of threats and verbal abuse, with his teenage sons also reportedly implicated in the backlash, and he quit the professional game.

But the inquiry discovered that McDonald had quickly realised his mistake and changed his mind after he prompted discussions with Craven, who confirmed that Dusan Pernis had got the ball in a challenge on Celtic striker Gary Hooper.

McDonald was yesterday warned over his failure to give an accurate account of events but the furore has moved far beyond the isolated incident.

Regan has declared that the criticism must be toned down. "This whole handling of referees by managers, players and clubs has got to stop," he said. "I would like to see a campaign launched for respecting the referees and respecting the game of football in this country."