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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Pundit charged by Scottish FA over Rangers vs St Johnstone 'lies' outburst

Richard Foster has been charged by the Scottish FA over his "lies" outburst while covering Rangers' win over St Johnstone.

The former Ibrox defender was covering the match on BBC Sportsound when he slaughtered an explanation over Cyriel Dessers' goal in the Premier Sports Cup contest.

Referee Matthew MacDermid allowed play to continue - where Dessers then scored - before awarding a free-kick to St Johnstone.

The official was then advised to review the incident at the pitchside monitor where the goal was then awarded.

There had been some confusion over when the whistle was blown with some St Johnstone players adamant a foul had been awarded prior to the goal.

However, an SFA statement to the BBC confirmed: "The whistle is blown after the goal is scored.

"The referee clearly communicates that he is going to award a foul after the goal is scored."

Foster, though, was less than impressed with the situation as he couldn't contain an outburst after hearing the official explanation.

The pundit said:  "Lies! It's a lie. Unless he puts the whistle to his mouth for no reason."


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Foster then admitted he made an error in his choice of words as he referenced the outburst later in the show stating: "I don't think the issue is my take on the incident, my issue is what I said, which I shouldn't have implied that there was anything going on with the SFA statement.

"At the time I was probably more a football fan than a pundit and I used the wrong choice of words and got caught up in the excitement of what was happening.

"But the goal should stand, the decision itself to award the foul would have been wrong anyway and I think they got the right decision which is the most important thing.

"I wish I hadn't said it but I did."

A Scottish FA disciplinary update has confirmed a notice of complaint against Foster - who is a coach for Motherwell alongside his punditry work - citing disciplinary rule 77.

A hearing has been set for Wednesday, September 11.

The disciplinary rule allegedly breached reads: "Disciplinary Rule allegedly breached: Disciplinary Rule 77. A recognised football body, club, official, Team Official, other member of Team Staff, player, match official or other person under the jurisdiction of the Scottish FA shall, at all times, act in the best interests of Association Football.

"Furthermore such person or body shall not act in any manner which is improper or use any one, or a combination of, violent conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour."

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