Celtic vs the SFA is a route many want the club to go down, and it appears that the Hoops have struck a vital blow.
According to the Daily Record, the SFA are set to hold a big meeting as early as this week with Celtic. The Hoops are likely to batter the judicial system in Scotland, and look for clarity for the John Beaton decisions at Ibrox.
For those somehow unaware, Celtic were left fuming after Alfredo Morelos was let off for three incidents involving Celtic players at Ibrox last month. A kick at Scott Brown, a stamp on Anthony Ralston, and a grab at Ryan Christie’s privates all occurred. Incredibly, however, the Rangers forward got off with the lot.
That forced Celtic into releasing a statement demanding clarity over the decisions. The judicial panel couldn’t turn the decisions around because Beaton seen them all. That’s left the Hoops and their supporters wanting an explanation from the referee himself.
Yet, where the club are seriously doing a service to Scottish football, however, is in their urge to tackle the judicial system in Scotland.
Celtic want a review of how the SFA use retrospective action. They haven’t been the only ones bemused by it this season either.
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Rangers had their own problems when they tried to appeal two yellow cards for Daniel Candeias. After it was thrown out, they also released a statement venting their fury at Willie Collum and the SFA.
Fortunately, Celtic haven’t insinuated bias from Beaton the way Rangers did on Collum. Therefore, chances of any sort of sanctions against the club are surely minimal.
But the system as a whole is plagued with inconsistencies. Dundee’s Darren O’Dea, for example, was this week given a ban for simulation. That’s despite the fact the referee saw the incident but made the wrong decision.
Scott McKenna of Aberdeen was also banned earlier this season for a challenge on Odsonne Edouard. The referee seen that but gave no action at the time.
Therefore, it’s utterly bemusing as to how Morelos has gotten away with his three charges.
Fortunately, Celtic are doing the rest of Scottish football a real favour here. A meeting to slam the system will hopefully help give the clubs a voice in this matter. As the Champions and reigning kings of the Scottish game, Celtic need to step up.
Whilst the club will have their own agenda and will want answers from Beaton on their individual decisions, Scottish football at large can benefit here.
A change in the system could finally weed out the inconsistencies and grey areas. As much as supporters of other clubs will love to get on Celtic’s backs about this, it’s their own club who could benefit in the long-run.