Scotland's top referees have expressed "deep dissatisfaction" with the suspension handed out to Dundee United striker Nadir Ciftci who was banned for two matches for manhandling an assistant referee in a game in October, reports BBC Sport. The Scottish Senior Football Referees Association said the punishment sends out "completely the wrong message" and it now wants talks with the Scottish Football Association and a review of the governing body's duty of care responsibilities to match officials.
Ciftci was initially cited for "seizing hold" of official Gavin Harris "by the throat" after being sent off following a mass brawl on the pitch. But the 21-year-old player was later charged with "placing an open hand into the lower area of the assistant referee's throat".
