THE trial by television debate reared its head again last night when Dundee United withdrew co-operation from the BBC and STV over Gavin Gunning's controversial three-match suspension.
The club were angered by the SFA's decision at a Hampden hearing yesterday to uphold Gunning's original ban for his challenge on Celtic's Virgil van Dijk during last Saturday's match in Dundee. Gunning did not receive a caution for the incident which was later picked up by television. Now United have banned the BBC and STV from interviewing any United employees.
"We won't be doing any interviews with the BBC - or STV for that matter - for the forseeable future," said a United spokesman. "We want to know who is responsible for what is deemed to be right or wrong; the SFA or the BBC? We want consistency."
Jackie McNamara, the United manager, who travelled to Hampden for Gunning's failed appeal, believes they have been the victims of unfair television evidence.
"The whole thing has disappointed me to say the least. It's selective evidence which will lead to Gavin missing these three games. Nothing had been said until it was shown on the televison via Sportscene on Sunday night. That's what's wrong.
"We've been penalised for way the footage has been edited on the television. There were other incidents which went unpunished so what we really need is consistency. Joe Ledley stuck out an arm and was spoken to by the referee but nothing has been done about that. It's not about getting other players into trouble. It's just about getting consistent decision-making."
McNamara also criticised the make-up of yesterday's panel. "I've no faith in the whole appeal sysem or how it is run. There wasn't one ex-player on it, but there was an ex-referee. It doesn't help in these instances. So what I would say is, watch this space for more cases like this.
"This has opened a real can of worms. You now can't even flick a leg out or it is going to be deeemd violent conduct and highlighted by TV."
McNamara has warned Gunning and his other players that they will now come under increasing scrutiny.
"I obviously feel very sorry for Gavin but now he's going to have to learn that you can't do even the slightest thing or you'll end up in trouble. For the incident which he's been punsihed for, there wasn't even any call from the Celtic players or fans behind the goal for him to get into trouble. That in itself tells its own story."
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