Scottish referees ready to go on strike

Scotland’s leading referees are set to confirm a weekend of industrial action after deciding to take a stand against increasingly dangerous levels of abuse.

Scottish football is heading for a blank weekend after referees unanimously voted to withdraw their labour.

It is understood that all 31 of the 33 category one officials who were present at a meeting of the Scottish Senior Referees Association yesterday voted in favour of refusing appointments for the coming weekend.

They were unanimously supported by 10 category two officials at the organisation’s first monthly meeting since October 17 – when Dougie McDonald’s decision to rescind a penalty he had awarded to Celtic against Dundee United heralded weeks of controversy.

Some referees reported facing abuse in the street and seeing their families come under strain, while police are said to have been called over some incidents. Abusive emails have been sent to referees’ workplaces, embroiling their colleagues in the backlash.

Referees feel that calls for calm have not been heeded and, although they accept criticism comes with the job, they have acted in a bid to stop one of their number coming under physical attack.

They are adamant they will not take charge of games, forcing the likely postponement of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and Scottish Football League cards.

The ALBA Challenge Cup final between Ross County and Queen of the South, plus three Scottish Cup third-round replays, may also have to be rescheduled.

Celtic have remained at the centre of controversy since McDonald’s U-turn, writing to the Scottish Football Association seeking clarification over that incident and Willie Collum’s decision to award Rangers a penalty at Parkhead. The Old Firm referee later received threatening phone calls.

Manager Neil Lennon faces possible Scottish Football Association sanctions over his criticism of Craig Thomson after being sent to the stand during a 2-0 defeat by Hearts.

And, although Celtic backed SFA chief executive Stewart Regan’s reform plans in the wake of his investigation into the Tannadice furore, Parkhead chairman John Reid later called for McDonald to be sacked for lying to Lennon over the circumstances of his U-turn.

Hearts director Sergejus Fedotovas launched a scathing attack on standards and warned they could be a “cover for bias and match-fixing” but other clubs and managers have refrained from any form of criticism in a bid to ease the pressure.

Motherwell manager Craig Brown remained silent on dubious decisions which went against his team during defeats by Hamilton and Hibernian, but he is opposed to the action with Hearts due to visit Fir Park on Sunday in a live televised encounter.

“It’s a radical course of action, a step too far,” Brown told BBC Radio Scotland.

“One of the rules of refereeing is that the non-offending team should not be penalised. I have never publicly criticised referees.

“We would lose gate money and television money if the game is called off and that revenue is vital to a club of our size.”

Kilmarnock boss Mixu Paatelainen, who has consistently warned against too much criticism of refs, was more understanding.

He said: “If it happens, it’s disappointing. But there has been too much talk of referees and I don’t think that’s healthy.

“Referees feel the strain and they might be a little bit more nervous before matches than usual and that maybe affects their ability.

“Hopefully, there is a solution before the weekend but I understand how they are feeling.”

It is understood the SFA have been verbally informed of the referees’ decision, which will be officially confirmed today.