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Ex-Premier League referee hails 'wrath of the Scottish FA' as McGinn banned for Celtic clash
Keith Hackett has praised the decision to ban Hibernian’s Paul McGinn for their next two games starting with tonight’s (17 January) trip to Celtic.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted McGinn’s comments after the League Cup final between the two sides meant it was inevitable he would “feel the wrath of the Scottish FA”.
Sky Sports reported on Thursday (13 January) the defender has been slapped with a two-game ban for labelling John Beaton’s performance at Hampden last month (19 December) as “inept”.
The 31-year-old was unhappy with Celtic’s second goal in their 2-1 win as his side were anticipating a substitution to be made as Tom Rogic launched a quick free-kick which was finished off by Kyogo Furuhashi.
Asked if a two-game ban was an appropriate punishment for McGinn, Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “Yes, absolutely.
“This is where we see the difference between the English FA and the Scottish FA. The Scottish FA are more proactive in protecting their referees than, in my opinion, the English FA.
“It’s an appropriate punishment. There are other channels where managers, officials and players can express their unhappiness at a referee’s performance.
“Once you go into the public domain then you’re going to feel the wrath of the Scottish FA.
“Passion can overrun thought. When players and managers are going to make comments about a referee’s performance they’ve got to make sure they engage brain so they can understand what they are saying to avoid these problems.”
McGinn will miss Hibs’ trip to Parkhead as well as the Scottish Cup tie with Cove Rangers on Thursday (20 January).
The one-time Scotland international has only missed three games across all competitions this term and has captained the side on occasion.
In other news, a Celtic duo who cost a combined £8.5million have been tipped to seal January exits on one condition.