What does the hearing mean for McLeish?

It means the SFA will review his remarks and decide whether to impose sanctions such as a fine or touchline ban based on precedent and intent.

How severe are typical punishments for criticizing referees in Scotland?

Punishments usually range from fines to short suspensions for repeat or egregious offences; long bans are rare unless comments are particularly abusive or repeated.

McLeish Under the Microscope: St Mirren Boss to Face Referee Conduct Hearing

St Mirren find themselves in an unwelcome spotlight as McLeish prepares to answer for public remarks about a match official after the weekend fixture. The Scottish FA has notified the club that the manager will face a formal hearing, triggering questions about tone, responsibility and the boundary between criticism and misconduct.

The disciplinary process is routine but rigorous: the governing body will assess whether McLeish’s comments crossed the line into improper conduct or brought the game into disrepute. Precedent in Scottish football suggests the SFA weighs intent, wording and repetition — punishments typically range from fines to short touchline bans.

For St Mirren the timing is inconvenient; leadership stability matters when points are tight and scrutiny is high. When The Guru watches a manager publicly challenge officiating, he sees both a tactical gamble and a leadership test — pull too hard at the thread of referee integrity and the garment unravels faster than you think.

My call is measured: expect a financial penalty and a short touchline suspension unless McLeish offers a prompt, contrite clarification. The smartest play now is an early, clear apology and a promise of restraint; fight the principle only if you are prepared for the consequences on and off the park.