Hasselbaink appeal fails

Last updated : 12 August 2011 By Stuart Gillespie

The Dutch striker was sent off just before half-time for elbowing United defender Paul Dixon as he raced towards goal. While Hasselbaink did make contact with the United man, there is debate as to whether it was violent conduct. Referee Crawford Allan thought so, Saints didn't so lodged an appeal. That appeal - and the £1,000 fee required - has now been lost.

It's not a great surprise as the TV evidence didn't really confirm either way if it was violent or unintentional. The appeal rules state the SFA's new super duper panel won't change a decision if the appeal is based on a difference of opinion over violent conduct.

Hasselbaink's is the first player to go through the SFA's new appeals process, where decisions are made by a panel of three - a lawyer and two former players. The decision making process is set to be entirely independent - so it's rather strange to discover former referee Willie Young was the lawyer at yesterday's hearing...

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