GLASGOW: Inverness defender Josh Meekings has won his appeal against a one-match ban and is available for the Scottish Cup final following a controversial reaction to his handball in the semi-final win over Celtic.
The 22-year-old Englishman was threatened with a one-game ban by the Scottish Football Association after failing to be punished, despite the presence of extra officials behind the goal-line, during Inverness's 3-2 semi-final win at Hampden Park on Sunday for what seemed a blatant handball.
But the SFA's proposed course of action drew widespread criticism.
Many within football argued it risked setting a dangerous precedent, given the incident under review did not involve violent conduct, and a three-man panel at the SFA's Hampden headquarters in Glasgow dismissed the case on Thursday with "no suspension applied".
Inverness chairman Kenny Cameron released a statement which said: "The club is delighted for Josh that the judicial panel tribunal dismissed the complaint brought against him.
"Josh will now be available for selection for the Cup final on 30th May 2015 v Falkirk FC.
"The result means that the club can now fully appreciate the achievement of reaching its first-ever Scottish Cup Final and focus on preparations for Saturday's (Premiership)) game versus Aberdeen."
Meekings expressed his gratitude for the backing he had received by posting on his Twitter account: "Once again, would like to thank everybody for the messages and support given over the last few days. Back to business now, cannot wait!!"
Professional Footballers' Association Scotland chief executive Fraser Wishart, speaking before Thursday's decision, said: "Players have no problem with video evidence being used for incidents that have genuinely haven't been seen by the referee. Maybe a punch behind the referee's back and fly kick when the ball is away.
"But we think, if the rule has been extended, then it is now erring into re-refereeing a game on a Monday.
"That's not the purpose of video evidence. That's why the English FA and FIFA and UEFA steer away from that. The referee could see the incident on Sunday -- he just didn't see the handball.
"I feel for the referees because their performance is now being analysed to the nth degree and I don't think that's fair on them."
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