Furious Dundee United manager Gordon Chisholm has launched a scathing attack on Home Office officials and the Scottish Premier League review panel over their handling of the Jason Scotland affair.
Trinidad and Tobago striker Scotland, having been at Tannadice for two years, had his application to renew his work permit turned down by a six-man panel. Despite loud protests and a lobby of support for Scotland, the Home Office announced this week that the initial decision will stand - which marks the end of the player's career in this country.
Chisholm contacted the 26-year-old by telephone to break the news, and then vented his feelings towards those who he believes have wrecked the player's career. "You can't even imagine how the boy felt when I told him the news," said Chisholm.
"I feel we have been robbed of a valuable member of our squad, not to mention the impact this has on Jason personally. He was settled here, had a girlfriend and a house, and was doing good work in the community - and now he has been sent home.
"Everybody knows about his ability as a player and how much he entertained - you can't tell me he didn't enhance Scottish football. To say he hasn't made a contribution is absolute nonsense, and I have to question the panel's wisdom and knowledge.
"I know that Murdo MacLeod is one on the panel who does watch Scottish football, but as for the rest, have any of them actually seen Jason play?
"If the fact that he wasn't in his international squad in the past was a factor, then as far as I am concerned the reasons for him not being involved have been explained - it was a personal issue with the former national coach.
"But Jason was actually on international duty at the time this decision was made, and I really have to question the whole matter and ask why they came to this ridiculous decision. We won't be giving up yet - the club will continue to look into the case, but personally I just don't know where we go from here."
Scotland's agent weighed into the debate as well, claiming "British justice stinks" and backing Dundee United's efforts to bring the striker back.
"Dundee United would not be in Europe and have got to the Scottish Cup final without Jason Scotland," said Mike Berry.
"They [the panel] said he never made an impact in Scottish football - that's an impact if ever I saw one. More importantly than that they have robbed a young lad of his livelihood. I was brought up with the message that if you work hard and you are a good citizen then you will be successful but that didn't work for Jason Scotland.
"He is a young boy of 26 and has made a tremendous impact on the community. They are kicking him out of football - which is disgraceful."
United chairman Eddie Thompson has vowed to continue to pursue the case through every possible avenue. He reacted angrily to the decision of the panel, which included five former Hibernian players: MacLeod, Peter Cormack, Pat Stanton, Tommy McIntyre and Tony Higgins.
"We are both disappointed and angry with this decision," he said. "We have explained our concerns to the Home Office, particularly the make-up of the panel and subsequent comments made by members of the panel on the matter, but to no avail."
