Ex-Fifa referee: SFA to ‘take action’ and reprimand Bankier after Celtic controversy
Ian Bankier should receive a “stern letter” from the Scottish FA after his comments about referees at the recent Celtic AGM.
So says former Fifa and Premier League referee Keith Hackett, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Bankier’s comments last week.
As quoted by the Daily Record (November 17), the Celtic chairman revealed he was “concerned” Nick Walsh had been appointed to officiate their League Cup semi-final against St. Johnstone.
Walsh made headlines when the two sides met at Celtic Park earlier this season when Chris Kane escaped a red card for a clash with Cameron Carter-Vickers.
During the semi-final at Hampden Park the game passed without major controversy.
“These comments really concern me,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“I think the Scottish FA have to ensure that managers and club officials, whoever they are, do not bring in to question a referee that has been appointed to their game with any comments.
“It can be deemed to be undermining or influencing the referee and it’s unhelpful to the game as a whole.
“This was said publicly. I would hope that the Scottish FA take some action on this. That doesn’t mean it’s a suspension or a punishment. It can be a very stern letter to the chairman to warni him of his future conduct.
“I’ve no doubt his comments made the headlines and it’s unhelpful to the game.
“This is the problem with Scottish football and referees in Scotland. It’s a smaller number of teams, there’s a smaller number of absolute top referees so the exposure to the clubs is greater than in England.
“Everybody understands that they make mistakes, they make an error, they’re human beings. Players miss open nets. That’s football.
“We can comment on a poor performance but I don’t think we should question the integrity of a match official. Especially this one, who I think is an outstanding referee.”
In other news, Dr Dan has revealed the ‘brutal reality’ for Celtic fans after a ‘major’ boardroom development.