SFA chief refuses to back Burley action

Scottish Football Association (SFA) chief executive Gordon Smith refused to back manager George Burley’s decision to drop Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor for Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier against Iceland here at Hampden Park, saying instead it would be “reviewed.”

Amid reports the Rangers duo had stayed up drinking into the early hours at the team hotel after the squad’s return from a 3-0 defeat by Holland on Saturday, an SFA spokesman confirmed a “breach of team discipline” had taken place.

But although Ferguson and McGregor were left out of the starting line-up, several hours later the SFA announced they would be both on the bench for what is a must-win game for Scotland if they are to maintain realistic hopes of qualifying for next year’s World Cup in South Africa.

Smith, asked if he supported Burley’s decision, told Sky Sports: “He’s made a decision; I know exactly why he’s done it – he’s told me his reasons.

“I’m going along with that just now.

“After the game’s passed, George and I will have an opportunity to sit down and discuss what’s happened in the last few days and review the situation and how it’s been dealt with.”

Smith added Burley had not consulted him or SFA board officials before dropping the Rangers pair.

“We weren’t involved in the decision at all. It’s George’s decision how he was going to deal with the situation that’s arisen.

“He has to deal with behaviour and any sanctions that are taken.

“He also picks the team 100 percent.

“It’s his decision whether the players are away from the squad.

“We have to give him autonomy in that respect.”

But whereas some chief executives would give their wholehearted support to a manager who’d taken this type of action, Smith said: “We’ll be reviewing the situation – I’ve told George that.”

Asked what it was that needed to be reviewed, Smith said: “What happened; what the situation was in terms of players; whether players have acted in a certain way; if the players’ behaviour wasn’t the type of behaviour you’d expect from international players who are on duty.

“He’s told me his reasons but we’ll just decide whether it was the best (decision) and George knows that.”

Smith’s comments are bound to be interpreted as a sign he has less than complete confidence in the man he appointed as Scotland manager in January 2008 while the fact McGregor and Ferguson are now on the bench may also raise questions about Burley’s authority.

“Obviously, George feels they have perhaps a role to play should they be required,” said Smith.

“I didn’t know until I came here tonight; I wasn’t speaking to George about that aspect of it. But I now find that they’re on the bench.”

He added: “The players have apologised for the incident that happened so I think that had a significant part to play.

“Maybe he (Burley) just wants to keep the team spirit as it is without making any drastic changes for tonight.”