Scottish refs strike, but games to go ahead

Six Scottish Premier League fixtures will be played this weekend despite the country’s referees pressing on with their strike plans.

The Scottish Football Association said on Thursday referees would go ahead with their proposed industrial action, but revealed they had been able to source officials from around Europe to ensure matches would be completed.

“Agreement has been reached with several European national associations to ensure matches in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and the ALBA Cup final will be covered this weekend,” the SFA said in a statement on Thursday.

As well as the six Scottish Premier League games and the ALBA cup final, 10 Scottish Football League games and three Scottish Cup third-round replays are under threat because of the strike, with the SFA still trying to find referees for those fixtures.

“Negotiations are continuing with other national associations to help ensure that some, if not all, matches in the Scottish Football League go ahead as normal,” the statement read.

Scotland’s referees decided to strike following high-profile criticism of some of their performances this season.

Referee Dougie McDonald incensed Celtic when he admitted he was dishonest with manager Neil Lennon about his reasons to overturn a decision to award the Glasgow club a penalty in their October 17 win over Dundee United.

Then referee Willie Collum received death threats after officiating in Rangers 3-1 win over Celtic at Parkhead on October 24.

SFA Chief Executive Stewart Regan was disappointed referees had decided to continue with the strike after a meeting on Wednesday night, but maintained the weekend’s action will go ahead.

“After further positive talks yesterday, 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,” Regan said.

“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 one 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.”

“Regrettably, at midnight last night, the Scottish FA were informed that, following a further meeting of category one referees, there would be no change of heart in relation to the strike and no suspension of action while the Scottish FA implements the measures proposed.”

Regan said the SFA had discussed implementing tough new sanctions on those found to be abusing referees, ‘especially those who challenge their integrity and honesty’.