SFA CLEAR 'FIGHT' CALL LINESMAN

THE SFA have been accused of a cover-up after linesman Willie Dishington escaped a Tynecastle probe.

Hampden bosses have decided the assistant has no case to answer after Hearts fans accused him of challenging them to a fight during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Dunfermline.

The SFA confirmed they had received emails of complaint about Dishington's behaviour in the second half.

It is alleged he pointed to fans in the Wheatfield Stand and told one, "If you want a go, big man, come on down".

Dishington, from Lanarkshire, dropped in unprompted to Hampden yesterday after Record Sport revealed the fans' claims but no action will be taken.

Disciplinary chief Drew Herbertson said: "The SFA have looked into the matter and are satisfied there is no need to take any further action."

Hearts fan Steve Gilroy was among those who emailed the SFA. He said: "It doesn't surprise me they shut up shop when their officials are criticised. I have sympathy for Dishington for the stick he was taking but imagine the controversy that could have been caused by his actions. It could have sparked a riot.

"And what if he had a crucial offside decision to make but had his back to the pitch because he was challenging fans."

Dishington refused to comment yesterday.

Taken from the Daily Record