Hugh Dallas Tenders Resignation As Head of the Referee Development Department, by Roddy Forsyth, The Telegraph, November 27, 2010

Hugh Dallas Tenders Resignation As Head of the Referee Development Department

By Roddy Forsyth
The Telegraph
November 27, 2010

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/scottish-premier/8164533/Hugh-Dallas-tenders-resignation-as-head-of-the-referee-development-department.html

Celtic brought down their first high profile target in their ongoing war with the Scottish Football Association on Friday night when Hugh Dallas tendered his resignation as head of the referee development department. The price paid by Dallas, 53, is even greater because by parting company with the SFA he will also lose his much-prized place on Uefa's referee committee.

Calling time: Hugh Dallas has stepped down as the head of the referee development department Photo: PA

Dallas's departure came as a consequence of his involvement in the circulation of a satirical email which referred to the Pope and the recent child abuse scandals within the Roman Catholic Church, whose Scottish spokesman called this week for the SFA to state that Dallas would lose his job if he was found to be complicit in the affair.

The Telegraph also understands that another four employees were dismissed and that a group of juniors was given a formal warning. All staff members who have been sacked have the right of appeal and if they choose to do so they will have their cases heard by a committee headed by the SFA President, George Peat.

For Celtic, Dallas represents a much prized scalp and will be regarded both by the club's board and its support as vindication of their vocal campaign against perceived cronyism and cover-ups within the SFA, although some fans extend the indictment to allegations of institutional bias against their club.