Scottish FA 'deeply concerned' after judicial panel members receive threats

Members of the panel have received 'threats and abuse'.

The Scottish FA revealed it is "deeply concerned" after members of the independent judicial panel that decided Rangers’ punishment have received threats.

On Wednesday night the governing body released a statement about the situation after details of the three-man panel, which was appointed on the condition of anonymity, appeared on websites.

The SFA also said its directors had received abusive emails after their details were published on websites.

This came after Rangers were fined £160,000 and banned from registering new players for 12 months for a series of rule breaches including bringing the game into disrepute.

After the decision was released manager Ally McCoist said in an interview with Rangers TV, the club’s official online channel, he wanted to know the identities of those who agreed the punishment.

A Scottish FA spokesperson: "We are deeply concerned that the safety and security of Judicial Panel members appointed to a recent Tribunal has been compromised by a wholly irresponsible betrayal of confidential information.

"The Judicial Panel consists of volunteers from across the spectrum of sport and business in Scotland. They are appointed on the basis of anonymity yet all three panel members have reported intrusion into their personal and work lives, including abusive and threatening communication.

"This has been extended to directors of the Scottish FA, whose private details have been published on internet sites and who have, themselves, been victims of abusive communication.

"This culminated tonight in a visit by Strathclyde Police, who are taking seriously the threats made towards the individuals involved. We are thankful for their advice and support in these matters."

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