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A positive reaction

Simon Smedley
15/10/2008

JIM Gannon’s complaint to the Football Association regarding the standard of refereeing is ongoing.

And, in what some onlookers may see as a surprise development, the Hatters’ boss has told us that he has had a ‘positive’ response from the FA so far.

Gannon said: "The FA have contacted me, and I’ve spoken to them and legal advisors about the exact manner in which the complaint is to be put forward.

"There are very clear disciplinary procedures for players and managers, but there isn’t any individual complaint procedures for referees, which is a major concern.

"Therefore we are initially having to go down the more general route.

"I need to know now if we are to provide the full information and evidence at this point, or if we wait for the FA to bring charges first. Maybe at that point we then present our case.

"I have spoken to the FA’s legal advice team, and they do understand my concerns and issues.

"They’ve been quite receptive to the complaint being made also, which is positive.

"They do feel that if there is an issue to be addressed, they will do so."

County’s managing director Mark Maguire confirmed to us yesterday [Tues] that he and Gannon will be meeting a representative from the FA’s disciplinary department very shortly.

Gannon initially revealed that he was planning to submit a complaint about the standard of officiating at County matches three weeks ago.

He stated then that he was fearful that County may well have become the victims of a ‘concerted witch-hunt’ after earlier questioning the authority of referees and their association.