ST MIRREN have gone to war with the SFA over their decision to appoint Alan Freeland as referee for their Scottish Cup tie with Dundee United tomorrow.
The Paisley side are refusing to co-operate with media coverage of the fifth-round replay in protest after the ruling body kicked out their request to have Mike McCurry take charge of the Tannadice clash.
McCurry handled the original game - a 0-0 draw at Love Street - and the same referee would normally take control of the replay.
But Freeland has been asked to officiate, a decision which has sparked fury behind the scenes at Love Street.
Record Sport understands Saints believe the same referee should take charge of the replay. But there is nothing in the SFA's handbook to suggest that is set in writing.
An SFA spokesman said: "The Scottish FA today received a request from St Mirren asking for a review of the appointment of the match officials for their Scottish Cup fifth-round replay against Dundee United. This request has been denied."
Saints boss Gus MacPherson said: "We as a club will have no media coverage of this Cup tie before or after the game. No players will be put up for interview."
