SENTINELCELTS

On Monday I wrote of the big push by the whistlers this weekend, convinced they would flex their muscle at Hampden and maybe try to slap Ange down after he spoke out against them.
There’s been a big push alright but from unexpected avenues.
 
A sit-down has been called between the Professional Game Board and the SFA, with IFAB receiving a report post meeting.
Sounds serious.
 
There’s some obvious implications and some less obvious ones.
First and foremost, with many important eyes apparently watching and assessing the refs the onus is very much on them to behave, starting this weekend.
Another weekend of controversy would do their cause no favours at all, so looking through the green tinted specs the timing is beautiful. Improved officiating for the run in sounds like a winner.
 
What if they are ordered to improve or,,,,? Demands made for unbiased decisions?
Things could get very interesting given they’ve gone on strike before, and they are needed for the here and now. There’s no B-team on standby, we have a bad bunch, but a bunch they are.
Outsourcing to foreign refs is now more complicated due to Brexit, plus the pound has decreased in value.
They’ve got the VAR teething problems excuse to hide behind, the lodges on their side, and a media that will sensationalize their side of the story if necessary.
They have some cards to play.
 
The Athletic describes the PGB as ‘powerful’ yet I’ve never heard of them wielding that power, always a first though. Our CEO is part of the delegation and Aberdeen are also represented, Doncaster and Maxwell are onboard for the clown factor, but there’s a fair smattering of different interests represented, four different organizations in total
 
The fact they must report upstairs to IFAB is notable.
This cannot be a rude dismissal.
‘They are doing fine’ won’t cut it.
The PGB aren’t just uppity Tims or Jambo’s to be put in their place, this meeting must be conducted professionally and conclude with recommendations.
Recommendations for Change, the dreaded word within the national sport.
 
The rot goes deep in our home league, a self serving, poorly regulated cesspit where race and religion still haunt the sport.
It has to stop one day and meetings such as the upcoming can slowly turn poor leagues into decent then good. High-powered confabs between Scottish footballs supremos are a must if a better game is to be birthed.
And this time there can’t be dirty deals cut or dismissal, there’s too many eyes involved.
 
This weekend the national stadium hosts two big meetings but I would argue the following meeting is much more important, a hell of a lot more important in the grand scheme of things.
It’s either the first step to normality or the first step of confronting abnormality, but either way the current level of officiating and the use of VAR will change after the shot callers huddle.
 
So,,,
all eyes on the weekend curtailing the refs.
People in positions of power forced to meet and discuss our common woes with our head man in the room.
No midweek game equals well rested legs.
Ange looks strong given he speaks out and viola.
Different officiating for the run in and perhaps more importantly across the way.
In talks, perhaps in prime position, for a new striker who is in demand.
And of course we have Tomaki Iwata to unleash.
 
From this side of the fence there’s encouraging signs in all directions but I accept anything can and does happen in football, and Scottish football is unique.
 
But it’s been unique for too long, it pushed the limits and has never been sanitized.
There was always the danger the next scandal would be one too many, after all attendance and sponsorship are on the line, the bottom line can be affected.
 
With an inherent failure to self control or act for the greater good, the national sport has opened the door to regulation from above, a third tier league that needs watching and brought into line if needed.
 
Seems it’s needed.
Oh to be a fly on that meetings wall, caught in the winds of change.
 
By Mahe
sentinelcelts@gmail.com