SPL chief: Whistle be a sore one for us.

Byline: Hugh Keevins

SPL chief Neil Doncaster last night admitted the top-flight's image had taken a hit over the Dougie McDonald scandal.

The SFA board will today meet to discuss what can be done to avoid any repeat of the fiasco that started with McDonald's Penalty That Never Was for Celt ic against Dundee United.

And Doncaster has publ icly backed SFA chief executive Stewart Regan to sort out the mess.

He said: "When the Scottish game is in the headlines for stories about referees, like the one concerning Dougie McDonald, it isn't helpful to anyone.

"Refs are the game's policemen and it's imperative they're trusted. It's evident what's gone on over the past couple of weeks hasn't been helpful in that regard.

Knuckles "The fac t there have been different accounts of what actually took place that day at Tannadice hasn't been helpful.

"Stewart came into Scot t ish football with his eyes wide open but he might have preferred a quieter arrival than he's had.

"The whole game takes a knock when people are quest ioning match officials in this way."

The SPL pays for the referees who handle top-flight matches but are actually employed by the SFA.

That is why the procedures which led to the referee committee giving McDonald only a rap on the knuckles will be reviewed today.

Doncaster added: "We at the SPL believe Stewart will have learned lessons f rom what went on at Tannadice and will implement new measures. There's an appetite for change."

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HEADLINES: Neil Doncaster

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Title Annotation:	Sport
Publication:	Daily Record (Glasgow, Scotland)
Geographic Code:	4EUUK
Date:	Nov 4, 2010
Words:	257
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