Bias and Bigotry

I don't want to completely fill up my first "Week in review" with this issue, so I think it would be a good idea if I just tackle it now.

Let me make my opinion of the conduct of the SFA on this issue quite clear; I don't like it, not one bit, in fact it stands as the event which turned me into a "conspiracy theorist" in as much as I now see the depths to which the bias against Celtic has gotten. To be fair, the bias isn't really against Celtic, it's towards Rangers and in many ways that's worse; at least if the SFA held even a hatred for Celtic Football Club then the only team in the league to be really affected would be Celtic Football Club; however, as it stands, the preferential treatment received by Rangers so blatantly flaunted in front of the Scottish football fans faces harms the entire league and makes a mockery of Scottish football.

Let's start with the "punishment" received by Rangers key men Bougherra and Diouf. Lets face it, these guys are millionaires and to punish them by hitting them with fines of £5000 and £2500 isn't going to put anything close to a dent in their bank balance and could quite easily be paid through a couple of months interest. The way in which these player conducted themselves on a pitch during a professional game is nothing short of shameful; to run towards the opposition dugout, travelling such a distance as he did, and shout abuse at the staff representing your opposing team is NOT professional in the slightest and shows Diouf up for being the little whiny no-user that he is. Also, man-handeling a match official is complete non-professional behavior, although, trying to put the refs cards back in his pocket to avoid a booking has to be one of the more creative tactics I've seen in a football match. Lets not forget this has happened before and those responsible were punished through match bans, so why does it make a difference this time? no matter what way you swing it, the only answer I can think of is that Bougherra and Diouf play their weekly football in a blue jersey.

The Image that proves Lennon approached the Rangers assistant manager with good intentions.

Now onto the big cheese, the main man, the man who is going to facing the SPL head on next season hopefully in a position where he is trying to win BACK the title from the rightful holders in green and white hoops (and failing of course). Super Ally McCoist; what can I say? I used to like McCoist, he was always good for a laugh on A Question of Sport, which is why when the incident in question occurred at the old firm game last month, I though to myself that I should give McCoist another chance before he lands himself squarely  in my "dislike" pile; a feat he has now managed due to his reaction after the shameful SFA decision this week. Why do the SFA feel it appropriate to punish Lennon with a 4 match ban and let McCoist (the instigator of the incident) off the hook? especially after completely condemning the actions of both parties in the immediate aftermath. Also, lets not forget that the SFA initially tried to give McCoist a ban which amounted to half of what they gave Lennon.

The only reasoning that I can see behind these rulings is a bias towards Rangers; after all, this brings the attention away from the TWO active cases against them from UEFA for singing bigoted songs during both PSV European ties.

This whole thing absolutely reeks of bias and hypocriticy on the part of Scotland's football governing body and now has me convinced that the "conspiracy theorist" have had it right all along.

But c'mon, it's a tough time in the season for poor old Rangers...they need all the help they can get ;)

oh and Naismith about you welcoming the chase...tig, your it. :D

Hail Hail

- Dave