SFA backs ref after Old Firm red card blitz

The Scottish Football Association has backed Old Firm referee Stuart Dougal for showing Alan Thompson a red card during Saturday’s match at Ibrox.

The official has been criticised for his decision to dismiss the Celtic midfielder for his lunge on Nacho Novo when the game was still in the balance at 0-0. Rangers went on to win the bad-tempered affair 3-1.

Donald McVicar, head of referee development at the SFA, says Dougal was spot on for handing Thompson his marching orders for a “career-threatening” challenge.

He told the Daily Record: “I would consider Thompson’s tackle on Novo to come into the career-threatening category. There was the intent and there was aggression.

“The referee was criticised for showing too many cards but his only fault was that he possibly didn’t show enough cards.”

Novo refused to be drawn on the red card, saying: “I don’t know if Thompson’s challenge was a sending-off offence. Did the red card change the game? I don’t know.”

Meanwhile, Neil Lennon faces an anxious wait to find out what punishment will be dished out by the SFA following his confrontation with the referee after the final whistle.

The Celtic captain was shown a red card for foul and abusive language before thrusting his chest into Dougal and pushing his assistant Jim Lyon.

He apologised for his actions on the club website last night but is still likely to find himself in trouble when the referee’s report arrives at Hampden this morning.