Scottish referees´ still poised to strike

Leading Scottish referees are set to press ahead with plans to go on strike this weekend, leaving authorities having to bring in officials from overseas.

Scottish referees have had enough of what they say are growing concerns about threats made to their safety as a result of decisions they have taken during matches and having their impartiality questioned, particularly by managers and club officials.

The Scottish Football Association (SFA) tried to avert a walkout by banning everyone connected with a club from commenting on referees before and immediately after matches but this has not been enough to call off the strike despite talks between administrators and referees on Wednesday.

A joint statement issued by the SFA, the Scottish Premier League (SPL) and the Scottish Football League (SFL) said a contingency plan would be in place “to allow some fixtures to take place this weekend using officials from other international associations”, without specifying which games were going ahead.

“This is a very sad day for Scottish football,” said SFA chief executive Stewart Regan here on Thursday.

“After further positive talks yesterday (Wednesday) and having received the backing of both the SPL and the SFL, I felt that we had shown our commitment to the refereeing fraternity and that they had recognised that substantial progress had been made.

“If this withdrawal of labour goes ahead it will be the fans, clubs, sponsors and media partners who will suffer and that cannot be good for the game in this country.

“I would urge the Category 1 referees to reconsider their decision and, having benefited from the wave of sympathy for their current situation, plus the offer of affirmative action, realise the potential impact of their actions.”

SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster added: “The SPL is sympathetic towards referees and the criticism they have received in recent weeks but the way to address concerns is through dialogue, not to walk away from the situation.”

The season in Scotland so far has witnessed several high-profile refereeing controversies, notably involving Dougie McDonald’s handling of Celtic’s 2-1 win over Dundee United last month — during which he awarded Celtic what looked like a deserved penalty before overturning the decision after consulting with another official.

Willie Collum meanwhile received threatening phone calls after awarding Rangers a dubious penalty during their 3-1 victory at Celtic Park.

McDonald was warned by the SFA referees’ committee over his failure to give an accurate report of the circumstances surrounding his decision to rescind the Celtic penalty.

Celtic chairman John Reid, a former British Government minister, said last Thursday McDonald should quit or be removed by the SFA after he admitted misleading Hoops manager Neil Lennon over the penalty decision.

Lennon has also been particularly vociferous in his criticism of officials after defeats by Rangers and Hearts.