SFA hit back at Celtic after complaints about officials

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GLASGOW, Feb 25, 2010 (AFP) - Scottish Football Association (SFA) bosses have accused Celtic of trying to "exert additional pressure" on match officials for Sunday's Old Firm derby against Rangers by leaking the club's apparent frustration at refereeing decisions.

Reports in Scotland on Thursday claimed Celtic were considering contacting the SFA to express their concern and frustration over refereeing decisions that had gone against them.

SFA president George Peat, who confirmed discussions had taken place between the governing body and Celtic, admitted he was disappointed that the Glasgow club had decided to go public with their complaints ahead of such an explosive fixture.

Peat said: "We find it disappointing and somewhat bizarre that, in the build-up to an Old Firm derby, an unnamed Celtic 'source' would seek to exert additional pressure on match officials by issuing ill-timed and fundamentally inaccurate comments.

"The validity of these comments is questionable in any case, since the 'source' is not courageous enough to put his name to them.

"In actual fact, discussions between the Scottish FA and Celtic have taken place but the contents of these discussions will remain private, as was agreed with the club.

"I am sure the Celtic chief executive, Peter Lawwell, will be concerned by the fact that someone has elected to speak on behalf of his club, seemingly without consent, and therefore undermined his authority."

Going into the Ibrox clash, which will be refereed by Dougie McDonald, Celtic trail league leaders Rangers by seven points and have played a game more than their old rivals.

Both Old Firm games this season have seen major decisions go against Celtic, including several penalty claims during their 2-1 defeat at Ibrox in October, most notably when David Weir felled Shaun Maloney without punishment from Craig Thomson.

Marc-Antoine Fortune had a goal controversially disallowed by Steve Conroy in the 1-1 draw at Celtic Park on January 3 for a foul on Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor.