SFA may draft in League of Ireland referees for weekend games

LEAGUE of Ireland referees maybe drafted in to officiate fixtures in the Scottish Premier League this weekend amid a planned strike by Scottish officials.

The Scottish Football Association last night confirmed they had drawn up contingency plans to bring in match officials from outside the country amid a planned strike by referees in Scotland.

The SFA could look to the Republic of Ireland as the Airtricity League is in its close season.

A Football Association of Ireland spokesman said last night: “We have not received any request from the Scottish Football Association on this matter. If we were to receive any official request it is something which we would consider but only in consultation with our own referees.”

A spokesman for the Football Association of Wales said it was highly unlikely they would be able to help out while England’s Premier League do not have sufficient numbers of officials themselves to offer elsewhere.

SFA chief executive Stewart Regan expressed his support for Scotland’s under-fire referees and vowed to continue dialogue with their representatives to avert this weekend’s action. But he added: “While we remain hopeful that the situation can be resolved to everyone’s satisfaction, we have no option but to draw up contingency plans, which will involve sourcing match officials in other countries.”

The Scottish Senior Referees Association have informed the governing body of their intention to refuse appointments this weekend after a unanimous vote at their monthly meeting on Sunday.

Match officials have dominated the Scottish football agenda since Dougie McDonald rescinded a penalty he initially awarded to Celtic during their 2-1 Clydesdale Bank Premier League victory at Dundee United on October 17.

Scottish referees say they have taken action amid fears one of their number would come under physical attack after a number reported being threatened at home, in the street and the workplace.

Regan said: “I have every sympathy for the refereeing fraternity at this time and completely understand why incessant scrutiny, criticism and questioning of their integrity has brought them to the brink of a withdrawal of labour.

“I cannot, however, condone what will amount to strike action and believe we must now engage in positive dialogue to avert the possibility that we will have no football this weekend.

“Fulfilling the weekend fixture calendar is our priority and we have an obligation to the leagues, supporters, clubs, sponsors and media partners to do our utmost to ensure all senior games are refereed.”