Scottish referees to strike

Scottish football has been thrown into chaos after referees voted to go on strike in response to heavy criticism of their performances.

Scotland’s 31 ‘Category One’ refs – the country’s top officials – voted unanimously to take the industrial action over the weekend of November 27-28 after receiving a barrage of abuse from managers and clubs this season.

Lower rankings officials are tipped to join their senior colleagues in striking as an act of solidarity.

The decision, which was reached at a meeting of the referees’ union on Sunday, comes not only in response to the criticism but also amidst growing concern from referees about their safety and that of their families.

Willie Collum, who officiated in his first Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers earlier in the season, later received death threats after awarding a dubious penalty to Rangers.

“Referees are at the end of their tether, and it’s not just how it’s impacting on them but it’s the impact it’s all having on their families and business lives,” former referee Kenny Clark told the BBC.

“Businesses in which referees are employed are being targeted by fans sending hate emails to employers saying things like, ‘why are you employing this guy?'”

Six Scottish Premier League games scheduled for next weekend are under threat, as is the ALBA Challenge Cup final between Queen of the South and Ross County at McDiarmid Park.

A number of Scottish Cup replays may also be affected.

Celtic Chairman John Reid apparently brought matters to a head with his insistence that Dougie McDonald resign after the referee admitted to lying about the reasons for overturning a penalty decision during Celtic 2-1 victory over Dundee in October.

“John Reid put the tin lid on it in terms of the meeting today,” Clark said.

“His comments have toppled the table over.”

“It’s only a matter of time before a referee or a member of his family is physically attacked because of how it’s being whipped up.”

The Scottish Football Association, which recently announced an overhaul of the manner in which referees would be disciplined, remained tight-lipped about potential strike action.

“This is a matter for the SFA and the referees,” an SFA source told the BBC.

“The SFA have a contract to provide us with officials and we expect them to honour that.”