Caley Thistle blast disciplinary committee for not lifting James Keatings second yellow card against Rangers Colts
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CALEY Thistle blasted the disciplinary committee who dismissed their appeal against James Keatings' second yellow card in the Challenge Cup semi final as failing to understand the rules of the football.
The club says it was left stunned by the decision of the three man panel to agree with referee Greg Aitken's decision that Keatings dived in the 2-1 victory against Rangers Colts at the Caledonian Stadium on Sunday.
The ruling made at a tribunal hearing at Hampden this morning said the referee's original decision, which resulted in Keatings being sent off, would stand.
Keatings will be suspended for the Challenge Cup final against Raith Rovers on Saturday, March 28.
In a statement, Inverness Caledonian Thistle said television evidence showed that Rangers Colts defender Ciaran Kennedy made contact with James Keatings causing him to fall.
They have accused the panel of not understanding the rules of football.
The statement said: "When the club was given the news this morning that the appeal had not only been dismissed but that James had in fact been adjudged to have committed simulation, we were both incredulous and furious in equal measure.
"We would once again re-iterate that we do not want to call into question anyone’s integrity with this statement but we must call into question the actual football knowledge of those sitting in judgement on all Scottish football players under this current system.
"If the individuals involved in this morning’s tribunal can watch the footage we supplied, footage which the whole of Scottish football has now seen and call this simulation, then there can be no other conclusion other than they do not understand football or the rules of the game.
"As harsh as this sounds, there can be no other conclusion.
"Fans and officials of all clubs are mystified by this decision."
It continued: "This decision has cost our player the chance to play in a national cup final, not something that comes along every week, to the detriment of the player, his team mates, the club and our fans.
"We believe it also damages the credibility of our governing body and brings the game into disrepute.
"The decision is plainly wrong and the dogs in the street know this.
"We have no right to appeal this final decision and it is painful to accept."
Caley Thistle says it had been contacted by other football clubs across the country showing their support and saying change is needed to improve the disciplinary process.
"As a club we have been contacted by chairmen, chief executives, directors and fans of other clubs today in a completely unique show of support and solidarity with James Keatings and ICTFC.
"As appreciated as this has been undoubtedly been, it does not change the fact that there is clearly something wrong with the system, if it is not addressed, we are all responsible for the continuing denigration of our standards, our supporters view of the national game and sporting integrity in Scottish football."
