Hamilton Academical keeper still wants to become referee
Hamilton Academical goalkeeper Sean Murdoch claims that he still wants to become a referee when he hangs up his boots, despite the recent turmoil Scottish officials have faced.
Category one referees have voted to go on strike during the weekend of 27-28 November in protest against criticism that has been levied at them by clubs, players and managers, while they have also admitted fears for their personal safety after a number of
high-profile incidents on the pitch this season.
Talks are ongoing between the officials and the Scottish Football Association in a bid to avert the strike and to ensure the scheduled Scottish Premier League and Scottish Football League fixtures can go ahead, but Murdoch claims that the situation has not
put him off becoming an official himself.
The shotstopper took part in a refereeing course and claims that though the whistlers have a difficult job, he would consider joining their ranks when he stops playing.
He told reporters: "I did a course 18 months ago and really enjoyed it. I learned about rules I had no idea existed and broadened my knowledge of the game. Even though I think they are being harshly treated I would still consider becoming a referee when
I stop playing.
"I've remained friends with a couple of the refs from the course and they have my full backing because I think they have been harshly treated, although I hope they don't go on strike. Yes, they have made wrong decisions and will keep making wrong decisions.
But what goes around comes around. You will get good and bad decisions going for and against you. You can watch replays of incidents five and six times and still not be sure, yet we expect refs to get it right first time."
Accies are currently rooted at the bottom of the SPL table having claimed just nine points from 14 league games. Their next opportunity to move away from relegation will come against fellow strugglers St Mirren on Saturday 27 November, should the match go
ahead in spite of the strike threat.
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