Is Dallas done for now??

CELTIC fans erupted in fury last night after it emerged that referees chief Hugh Dallas had forwarded on an insulting email about the Pope's visit to Scotland.
Messageboards went into meltdown as it was revealed on a website that the official had used his official SFA email address to pass on the tasteless message.
It was sent at 10.55am on September 16 - the same day Pope Benedict XVI met the Queen in Edinburgh before leading a mass for 50,000 worshippers in Bellahouston Park, Glasgow.
It includes a photograph of a doctored warning sign showing the outline of a parent holding a child's hand. Under the word "CAUTION" someone has pasted the words "THE POPE IS COMING" - a crude reference to child-abuse scandals affecting the Catholic Church.
Last night SFA insiders revealed the matter is being looked into.
But they believe Dallas, 53, is the victim of a witch-hunt following the recent row over refereeing.

It was stupid but there was no malevolence in it


A source said: "This email is the sort of thing thousands of people either received or sent during the Pope's visit - rightly or wrongly.
"But not everyone is the head of refereeing at such a controversial time for match officials.
"It shouldn't have happened - it's horrible. But I can categorically state I'm sure there was absolutely no malice on Hugh's part."
The SFA source added: "I now believe there is a witch-hunt against Hugh - I don't know why.
"You can just imagine what's gone through his head in the last week or so, especially with the rumpus over the Dundee United v Celtic match. I know there will be moral indignation over the email. It was stupid but there was no malevolence in it."
It's believed Dallas - now in charge of referee development at the Scottish Football Association - sent the email from a computer in his office at Hampden Stadium.
It was a reply to a message he'd received about a FIFA matter. The identity of the person Dallas sent it to is unknown but they're not believed to work at Hampden.
Not Hoopy... fans protest
But the email was sent from his official SFA email account. The message's subject heading says "Re: FIFA nomination". The main body of the email is blank but the offending image is attached.
It's believed the doctored sign was photographed in Edinburgh. Disruption caused by building works for the capital's new tram system can be seen in the background.
Dallas has been battling allegations he wanted officials to help cover up a controversial decision in the Dundee United v Celtic match.
Linesman Steven Craven claimed the former top whistler pressured him to change his story over the reasons why ref Dougie McDonald had awarded, then cancelled, a penalty for the Hoops last month.
He also accused Dallas and his colleague John Fleming of a campaign of "victimisation, harassment and bullying".
Craven resigned in disgust. But Dallas vehemently denied his claims - and he was backed by new SFAchief executive Stewart Regan.
Ref row... Hugh Dallas
Dallas said: "I'm extremely angry and upset at these unsubstantiated allegations made by Steven.
"Unfortunately, they have given rise to the suggestion I was involved in some sort of cover-up. Nothing could be further from the truth. I also refute utterly Craven's allegations of 'victimisation, harassment and bullying' at the hands of myself and John."
He added: "I am dismayed that the reputation I've built up over 30 years could be besmirched by such unfounded allegations."
SFA chief Regan said: "The SFA is unequivocal in support of Hugh."
But yesterday the storm showed no signs of abating. At noon, hundreds of Celtic fans gathered outside Hampden to protest at what they see as anti-Celtic bias from the SFA and its referees - who are led by Dallas.

If it was possible to find a smoking gun showing the institutionalised anti-Celtic bias, this would be it


One banner read: "Shame on Hugh."
And last night Hoops supporters' messageboards were buzzing with news of the latest revelation.
One fan, called Celboy, posted: "It would be interesting to see who in the SFA also forwarded this email on. They would be just as guilty."
Another wrote: "This is completely unacceptable. If someone forwarded that to me they'd get a burst mouth."
And a raging supporter said: "Wow, if it was possible to find a smoking gun showing the institutionalised anti-Celtic bias, this would be it."
However, some Parkhead diehards had a laugh over the row. On one messageboard, one wag even posted a picture from the 2002 World Cup showing Dallas booking defender Eddie POPE in the Germany v USA quarter-final he reffed in Ulsan, South Korea. Germany won 1-0.
Last night we put the email allegations to the SFA's spokesman. He said: "No comment."
Dallas was not at home and did not answer his mobile phone.