ABERDEEN have appealed to the SPFL to help them address growing concerns about the SFA disciplinary procedure and called for the introduction of video assistant referees (VAR) to Scottish football to be seriously examined.
The Pittodrie club issued a strongly-worded statement yesterday in response to their appeal against the red card that Michael Devlin was shown in the game against Kilmarnock this month being turned down.
They maintain that Devlin was wrongfully dismissed and the evidence they presented at his hearing was “overwhelmingly compelling” in his favour.
Aberdeen also described the explanation that was given to them for the appeal failing as “unacceptable”.
The statement comes amid growing unrest about the standard of refereeing in this country and the appeals process following a number of controversial incidents in high-profile games.
The statement read: “In light of recent decisions taken by the SFA, the club believes it is imperative for the country’s football authorities to establish consistency and transparency in the appeal and referral process and will engage in dialogue with the SPFL in this regard to seek their assistance.
“Furthermore, at a time when technology is making a significant and positive impact across sport, the club believes that the impact of the VAR system trials in the English Premier League need to be considered if stakeholders in the game are going to regain trust in the process.
“AFC is aware that the views we have expressed are held by many who have found key appeal and referral decisions this year perplexing and want to see the governing body dealing with this proactively, with a consistent and transparent appeals process high up on the agenda.
“Doing so would enhance the game’s integrity, greatly assist referees, improve the game for fans and, ultimately, the perception of Scottish football.”
Meanwhile, Derek McInnes has suggested that Tony Watt, the former Celtic striker who trained with Aberdeen in the summer in an attempt to get a permanent deal, has found his perfect home at St Johnstone.
Watt, whose career has taken him to several clubs since he left Parkhead four years ago, has struck a rich vein of form under Tommy Wright at McDiarmid Park and has netted six goals already this season.
“I always thought Tony was going to score goals if he could find the right club and play regularly and he has obviously started well,” said McInnes.
“I’m pleased for him to be honest because we liked him being here. We offered facilities to him and obviously it gave us a good handle on him as well.
“He was always someone who brought something to our training and it is good to see him do well.
“I was allowed to bring one striker in really and James Wilson was that striker but unfortunately he has not been able to get on the pitch.
“I had a call to make on that and we also have to look at the emergence of young Bruce Anderson who when you are looking at types of strikers we wanted to make sure we didn’t impact on that.
“But I wanted real pace at the top end of the pitch and for me James Wilson will give us that when he is up and running.”
Aberdeen winger Gary Mackay-Steven, who started out at Airdrie alongside Watt, agrees that his former clubmate could prove a dangerous opponent for the Dons this afternoon.
“Tony has gone to different places but he is definitely a goalscorer,” he said. “He is a threat and from what I have seen, he is a big handful for defenders. He knows where the goal is and he looks fit and strong.
“It will be a big season for him and he has started well. He has always had confidence but you need that as a player and he has it in abundance.”
But Mackay-Steven added: “This is the best start to a season I have had in the last few years. I feel settled and content.
“I got a good pre-season under my belt, which I think is the most important thing.”
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