Scottish FA criticises McInnes and media after referee requires police protection

The Scottish Football Association has vehemently criticised a “hysterical media narrative” and taken a swipe at the Hearts manager, Derek McInnes, while revealing one of its match officials and his family spent Thursday night under police protection after controversial incidents which have dominated the conclusion to the Premiership season.

McInnes called the stoppage-time award of a penalty to Celtic in Wednesday’s win at Motherwell “disgusting”, with that, plus the denial of a spot-kick for Hearts during their fixture at the same stadium days earlier, dominating discussion. Hearts visit Celtic on Saturday needing a draw to become the first non-Old Firm title winners in 41 years.

In a lengthy statement the Scottish FA said John Beaton, who refereed the match between Motherwell and Celtic, was subject to police surveillance after his personal details were leaked online. The association made plain its anger over the situation.

“Such vigilantism, motivated by decisions perceived to be right or wrong on a field of play, is a scourge on our national game and we are grateful to Police Scotland for their swift intervention,” the statement said.

The Hearts manager, Derek McInnes, said Celtic’s penalty call was ‘disgusting’ and added ‘I’m getting more and more dismayed at some of the decisions our referees are coming up with. It’s such a bad decision. We’re up against everybody.’ Photograph: Andrew Milligan/PA

“We are also clear, sadly, that this is the inevitable consequence of the heightening criticism, intolerance and scapegoating demonstrated this season by media pundits, supporters, official supporters’ groups, clubs, players, managers and former match officials.

“We do not make that point lightly as the national association. Yet it is an inconvenient truth. Those who have sought to apportion blame and conspiracy towards match officials to deflect from defeats or perceived injustices throughout the season have contributed to an environment that puts the safety of our staff and match officials in jeopardy.