GEORGE Peat is seen in some quarters (some? many) as a sort of Basil Fawlty character and the SFA's media department automatically reach for the tin helmets, flak jackets and sand bags whenever a microphone is thrust under his nose.
But I think, at yesterday's Scottish Cup draw, he just about got away with not mentioning the war; in fact his wee spiel about the on-going unpleasantness between the Association and the Grade One referees was a model of rectitude.
He gave the impression of having censured all sides, while the forecourt at the Tattiedome was awash with tumbleweed as Celtic digested the fact, they had just been given a very public kicking for their behaviour.
What happens now? We hear that referees from out-with Scotland may be brought-in to cover the weekend's games. Should be fun; Dougie, Wullie, Craig, big Charlie, Brinesie and Co might be shite, but they're OUR shite. How will we cope with foreign shite?
As a poster on the Hootsman's web site asked this morning: "How will foreign referees cope with Scottish rules?"
Scottish rules? You know, those little local rules so-beloved of golfers and in a Scottish football context never better summed-up than by Ivan Golac's observation after Dundee United didn't get a stonewaller against Rangers one afternoon: "All over world was penalty - not at Ibrox".
God help say an FAI referee who on Saturday doesn't give Celtic a penalty, or an IFA one who overlooks a Rangers' claim - or vice versa. Just a thought, would non-Scottish referees want to venture onto our fetid little football pond?
When foreign referees come over here, for European games, they are generally looked after by Scottish referees in terms of hospitality, "taxiing" and the like. These guys have long-established links with the guys who are now striking. It might not be as easy as some in the Hampden corridors of power think it will be to replace our striking officials.
Also, as we know from European games, challenges which go unpunished in Scottish domestic games, often bring yellow and red cards in Europe - "that wouldn't have been a foul in the Premiership/Premier League" is cliche number four in ITV's guide to Champions League commentators. There could be blood and snotters aplenty if the weekend games go ahead with foreign officials.
Why don't we go back to football's earliest days and have disputed sorted out by the two captains, but, since today real power rests with the managers, let them sort out disputed penalties and the like - Neil Lennon v Terry Butcher, I know who my money's on.
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