FRASER WISHART, chief executive of PFA Scotland, has called for a re-examination of the way video evidence is used in Scottish football after Josh Meekings was cleared to play in next month's William Hill Scottish Cup final.

The Inverness Caledonian Thistle defender successfully contested the one-match cup ban offered to him by the Scottish Football Association's compliance officer Tony McGlennan for "denying the opposing team an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball" during last weekend's semi-final victory over Celtic. The incident was not seen at the time by referee Steven McLean or any of his assistants but it is thought the independent panel felt that not seeing Meekings handle Leigh Griffiths' goalbound header could be considered "an honest mistake" by the match officials. Meekings is now free to face Falkirk in the final on May 30.

The decision to cite the player had drawn widespread criticism from a variety of sources, including Jim Boyce, FIFA's head of referees, Neil Lennon, the former Celtic manager, and supporters and players from a number of different clubs. Since the SFA overhauled their disciplinary procedures four years ago, this was the first time a notice of complaint had been issued for deliberate handball, with each of the preceding cases relating to either deliberate foul play or violent conduct. Wishart, head of the players' union, felt that it was time to restrict the number of offences that could be punished retrospectively if missed by the match referee at the time.

"The purpose of video evidence is not to catch minor things," he said as he announced the shortlist for the Cheque Centre PFA Scotland player of the year awards. "No player has a problem with anyone getting caught giving a fly punch or kick off the ball. They know they deserve it. But we have moved towards re-refereeing the game. Steven McLean did have a view of the incident, even if he didn't see the handball. The rule was brought in for things that happen behind the referee's back, but he and [goal line assistant] Alan Muir had a view of it.

"When the SFA told us they were considering the use of video evidence we were strongly against it. It was opening a whole can of worms as you are effectively re-refereeing the games. We warned this was too far and it would cause problems. I know the referees are not happy with it because Steven McLean is being examined after the game. He made a mistake but does he deserve the continued fall-out from that? I don't think referees, players or fans want it - and FIFA don't want it."

John Hughes, the Inverness manager, revealed he had considered quitting football following the aftermath of the incident that included Celtic writing to the SFA looking for clarification on why McLean had not awarded a penalty or sent Meekings off.

"I was that sick of what has been going on in Scottish football I was seriously contemplating my own future," said Hughes. "I'm serious when I say that. I had just had it up to here and was ready to just give it up.

"But the phone calls and texts I received from people I really value in football helped pick my spirits up again. They were saying "you need to lead from the front, you need to fight it". That restored and galvanised that focus and drive in me. And, if that was how I was feeling, how was the boy Josh Meekings feeling? I really feel for him. It should never have come to this.

"We need to use this to make sure the whole process works better. Josh's case was unprecedented. How was that? Somebody needs to explain that to me. I know the verdict has gone in our favour but I don't think this is finished. We need to sit down and look at the judicial panel process. There is so much we can learn from all this. People might ask why I wasn't at Hampden but I was supporting him and he was in the hand of lawyers. I believe we put a good case together. The reason I wasn't there is because I don't believe in the system and how it operates.

"I don't believe in the Panel, with all due respect to them. I promised myself a couple of years ago I wouldn't walk back into Hampden until it changes. I would never question their integrity but I want football people sitting in judgement. "

Meekings took to Twitter to express his gratitude and relief. "Once again, [I] would like to thank everybody for the messages and support given over the last few days. Back to business now, cannot wait!! I have seen the support from various clubs' fans and I'm very thankful. I can look forward to the final now, and get ready for Saturday!"