This is one of those decisions that really get you thinking. On the face of it the Celtic manager (Or should I say Celtc Manager Green Brigade Bhoys?) has got off relatively lightly. Why then did the the committee take the curious stance of supporting the official's original sanction yet elected to water down their own automatic suspension for a second reported misconduct charge. The apparent act of appeasement does little to enhance the credibility of a flawed disciplinary mechanism that is as transparent as a lead plate!
How can you possibly uphold the referee’s decision but cut the penalty? If Strachan’s appeal was upheld why is there any penalty at all?
The more paranoid amongst us may point to the members of the committee as an indication, as many Celtic fans would not trust an SFA panel made up of the Queen of the South secretary, and includes Andrew Dickson, the Rangers director; Michael Johnston, the Kilmarnock chairman; Jim Ballantyne, of Airdrie United; and the Hamilton Academical secretary, Scott Struthers.
"The decision was made at the committee's discretion," explained the SFA's outgoing head of communications, Andy Mitchell. "Gordon Strachan appealed his case and considering all the evidence, the suspension was reduced. I cannot go into the reasons why that was the case because I did not attend the meeting.
"He has a further right of appeal should he so choose and, if so, this will be heard by an independent appeals tribunal. It is no different from a player being sent off and using the right to appeal. It is consistent with any kind of human rights."
Strachan has also appealed against his sending-off against Aberdeen on August 19, when he became involved in the fracas between his assistant, Garry Pendrey, and a steward at Pittodrie. A date has yet to be set for the hearing and it can only be convened when the current issue is resolved. Again, Strachan is insistent he is the innocent party
.The good news however is that yesterdays reduced punishment now removes the possibility of Strachan receiving a 10-game ban under Article 4 of the SFA's disciplinary procedures for club officials' misconduct as it is unlikely that WGS will be issued the maximum 6 match ban for this ‘offence’ since the disciplinary committee diluted the second punishment.
This is scant consolation however when a system is as flawed as this one appears to be!
Yours in Celtic
Clydebuilt