I read with interest the suspension of Celtic's Bobo Balde by the SFA
Disciplinary Committee after using video evidence "for only the second
time".
I also noted that "The incident....was missed by the match officials (and)
was clearly picked up on television".
Now given that:
1. The first use of video evidence regarded Fernando Ricksen's "lunge" at
Darren Young during the Aberdeen v Rangers game 12 Nov 2001.
2. This unprecedented step was taken following Ricksen's post match comments
on his website,
3. Video evidence is used to investigate "an exceptional case of player
misconduct".
Firstly, could you please explain what constitutes "exception player
misconduct" and why Balde was guilty of it?
Secondly, could you explain why this differs from the clear Video evidence
of Bob Malcolm (Rangers) kicking a Motherwell player on the head as he lay
grounded or Shota Arveladze (Rangers) racially abusing Balde during an Old
Firm Game or Webster's (Hearts) assault on Agathe which caused the player
injury for a duration of 3 months?
Thirdly, can you provide assurances that Video Evidence will be applied
fairly and consistently through all future league and cup fixtures and that
equal coverage will be given to all games?
Fourthly, while I appreciate your efficiency in pursuing this matter, could
you explain the marked improvement in "event to hearing" duration regarding
Ricksen and Balde's incidents? i.e.:
Ricksen: incident occured 12th November 2001, Hearing 18th December 2001, 36 day gap
Balde: incident occurrred 2nd February 2001, Hearing 20th February 2001,
18 day gap
This latter point is relevant as your haste to punish Balde ensures he is
suspended for a vital League and Scottish Cup game.
Fifthly, can you vouch for the competency of your match officials given that
they contrived to miss both the Ricksen and Balde incidents?
To ensure that this email did not immediately hit the recycle bin upon
receipt, I'll leave it to last to state that I am a Celtic Supporter. I am
sure that you are aware post Cadete/Farry and Hampden/Farry/McCann SFA
orchestrated fiascos that your Association is not held with high regard by
many Celtic Supporters,therefore please take this opportunity to clear the
air over this incident.
I await your response in anticipation.