Simon Dyson case highlights a problem

‘Just get it done.’

That’s what my old boss used to say to me. He was usually right. I’ve got little time for what some Scots would describe as ‘fannying about’. Just get on with it.

So what am I on about? Disciplinary procedures. Long, boring, drawn out processes that could have been solved in days – sometimes hours – nevermind weeks and months.

Take the recent case of Hibs player Rowan Vine, who made an indirect threat to Celtic manager Neil Lennon on Twitter after Lennon complained about the alleged heavy handed nature of Hibs’ players during a 1-1 draw.

It was a joke, quite clearly, although probably a tad silly. Lennon responded. Vine apologised.

Apparently the Scottish FA decided that was not the end of the matter. And here’s where it gets really silly. The original offending tweet was sent on Oct 20. The SFA decided to cite Vine as he made “offensive comments on Twitter suggesting the use of violence” on November 8. The player has to respond to that by November 15, upon which there will be a hearing on November 28.

In total, it will have taken 39 days to sort out the problem. And remember Vine apologised almost immediately.

Now put Simon Dyson to the front of your mind. We have video evidence of his error. We have no idea whether he cheated intentionally or made a simple mistake. Players make mistakes – or infringe the rules – numerous times during the course of a season. It doesn’t necessarily make them cheats.

If there was evidence of said rules breach on previous holes, then fine. But it looks like a one-off. Just like a bad drop.

Dyson tapped the line of his putt with his ball, an act he described as an “accidental mistake”. He was disqualified. He didn’t argue with that decision.

That happened on October 25. It took the European Tour six days to respond to the now very public allegations. That statement said an “investigation” would take place to explore the situation. Then, a hearing will take place. Dyson will be given 21 days notice of that hearing.

But we’ve not idea when the initial investigation will take place. And because of that, no date has been set for the disciplinary hearing.

Let’s be honest. It looks bad, but it also looks like a silly mistake. If there was evidence of said rules breach on previous holes, then fine. But it looks like a one-off. Just like a bad drop.

He’s got a clean record, so give him the benefit of the doubt. Other players seem to be given such courtesy, and you can read into that what you will.

Taking so long to deal with disciplinary matters is one of the great monotonies in sport. I’m not Simon Dyson’s biggest fan. I sat next to him at a dinner and found him more interested in his mobile phone than my conversation. But then my father says I’m a right wing sociopath so who in their right mind would want to sit next to me at a dinner. Or maybe I’m boring, so I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt once again.

But that’s besides the point. The evidence is there. We have video. Dyson has already given his version of events. It would be better for all concerned to just sort the problem rather than ‘review’ it over the course of weeks, and then take a further 21 days to give Dyson a chance to come forward.

Ridiculous. Just get it done.

DO YOU AGREE WITH BRYCE RITCHIE?

Is the European Tour taking too long to deal with the Simon Dyson issue? What should the outcome be? Leave your thoughts in our ‘Comments’ section below…

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered