Touchy Dallas blasts back at Gannon and blames the Royal Mail

Referee supremo Hugh Dallas has launched an unprecedented attack on Motherwell boss Jim Gannon.

From behind his desk at the SFA where he has the title of Head of Referee Development Dallas said: "I am astonished by the personal attacks made by Jim Gannon, which have questioned my honesty and integrity, and wish to set the record straight on the chain of events that have created an air of tension and negativity."

Dallas then goes into a civil service like explanation over letters opened and unopened, the chain of command and the general breakdown in communications between Hampden and Fir Park.

At no point does Dallas explain, justify or answer the issues raised by Gannon about the quality of officials and the channels of communication between the SFA and the clubs although clubs have their responsibilities as they make up the SFA.

Paper chasing about 'I did this' and 'he said that' does nothing to address the issues, there is a tone to Dallas's statement which seems to infer that he is bigger than Gannon and who is Jim Gannon to publicly criticise Hugh Dallas?

NEGATIVE

Dallas statement said: "The type of adverse media coverage generated by Mr Gannon - which is extremely uncommon in Scottish football - has a negative effect on the confidence of referees and is counter-productive."

On their own Gannon's comments relating to decisions effecting Motherwell are stinging enough- bringing in the performance of Craig Thomson at the Rangers-Celtic match has clearly got under the skin of Dallas.

"His dissection of refereeing decisions involving Craig Thomson, one of UEFA’s elite referees, is wholly unnecessary," Dallas added.

The purpose of the Dallas statement is unclear, if he thought that it would end the matter he must be living in a parallel universe.

SCRUTINY

Adding fuel to the fire is a more reaction, the timing, on a Friday tea-time within 24 hours of a full SPL card will only put the referees that Dallas is so keen to protect under greater scrutiny.

Dallas, who was fourth official at the 2002 World Cup Final concluded by saying :"I will be making no further comment.”

I suspect that there will be lots more comment on this statement.

Dallas statement on the SFA website