Charlie on a Friday - James Keatings case was like something out of crime thriller
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The quote ‘One of the panel members has advised that, despite raising no concerns throughout the process, they did not undertake their obligations with respect to the consideration of all the available evidence’ might just have come from a John Grisham, Harlan Coben or Michael Connelly court room blockbuster.
But unfortunately, this is not the case.
It is actually a quotation from the findings of the SFA in relation to the unbelievable matter surrounding the James Keatings red card.
The decision itself during the game beggared belief.
But, as has been stated on numerous occasions, refereeing is not easy. Although it’s certainly not as hard as some make it look.
It could be perceived that the man in the middle, Greg Aitken, did not have a great view and thus simply made an honest mistake; albeit a very bad one.
What I cannot accept is that, after ICT lodged their rightful appeal, a panel of three right-minded individuals could sit down days later and uphold the decision.
If I contacted any one of the hundreds of players who I either played with or against over 20 years in the game to ask their opinion on the matter, each and every one of them would be in support of James and would overturn the original decision in an instant.
To then hear that one of the three panel members did not consider the available evidence is astonishing.
The only evidence required to overturn it was contained in video footage lasting less than one minute!
It really does beggar belief that our governing body can get something so wrong.
I genuinely feel for SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell who is now trying to right a wrong that is not of his doing.
Thankfully the power brokers at Hampden have seen sense and a new hearing was convened.
This case has given strength to the opinion of the country’s biggest two clubs who have been relentless in asking for a review of the disciplinary and compliance officer procedures within Hampden.
When you witness the absolute shambles surrounding this case and several others this season, you have to agree that Celtic and Rangers may be spot on!
