Football: Gascoigne ban sparks call for video evidence
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Scottish Football Association was yesterday urged to open the way for video evidence to be used in disciplinary matters, as Paul Gascoigne faced up to a five-match ban following his sending-off.
The Rangers and England midfield player was dismissed for violent conduct by the referee John Rowbotham in the Old Firm match on Tuesday after clashing with Morten Wieghorst, and now misses his side's December programme.
But even the Dane, who admitted he tugged Gascoigne's shirt, thought the punishment was too severe and television replays showed contact was only minimal.
Now the Scottish Players' Union have called for the SFA to allow appeals using video evidence to be made. The players' union leader, Tony Higgins, who is already debating the matter with the Managers and Coaches Association, believes the use of video evidence is a sensible and fair road to go down.
Gascoigne had already accumulated nine disciplinary points for bookings. Tuesday's offence cost him another 12 points, taking his total to 21 and over the threshold. He serves an automatic one-match ban after his dismissal in the 58th minute which means he will miss the match with Motherwell on Saturday.
Gascoigne will return for the game against St Johnstone the following Saturday before beginning a four-match ban on 3 December.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments