Thursday 25 April 2019 21:11, UK
Kilmarnock boss Steve Clarke has been charged by the Scottish FA for his comments about referee Steven McLean after Saturday's game against Aberdeen.
Killie lost 1-0 to Aberdeen in a game where Kirk Broadfoot, Stuart Findlay and Rory McKenzie were all sent off for the home team at Rugby Park.
Clarke accused match official Steven McLean of not being able to handle "the burden" of refereeing his father Stuart's former side.
Stuart McLean played over 400 times for Kilmarnock and is the club's third-highest appearance holder.
The ex-Reading and West Ham manager was found to be in breach of Disciplinary Rule 72: "criticising the decision(s) and performance(s) of any or all match officials in such a way as to indicate bias or incompetence or make remarks which impinge on his character."
In a post-match interview, Clarke said: "I went over and congratulated him (McLean) and told him it was the worst performance I had ever seen in my career - and it is a long career.
"He [McLean] lost control of the game in the first half. He actually lost control of a professional football match.
"When we lost 2-1 to Hearts earlier in the season, I mentioned the referee that night and it was Steven as well.
"I have mentioned it a couple of times privately but publicly I am saying now, I think it would be better for Steven and Kilmarnock if Steven doesn't referee any more games for us. Quite simple."
McKenzie's appeal against the red card he was awarded in Kilmarnock's defeat to Aberdeen last week has since been upheld, but Broadfoot's has been rejected.
Former Chelsea coach Clarke has until Wednesday May 1 to respond to these allegations ahead of a hearing on Thursday May 9.
In October 2018, Clarke was handed a two-match touchline ban for his comments after a red card for Gary Dicker against Hearts in August.
