Referees hope strike will help Scottish football improve
The category one referees who staged a strike over the weekend of 27-28 November say that their actions could lead to much-needed improvements throughout Scottish football.
The officials voted to withdraw labour after a high level of criticism aimed at them by clubs, managers and fans.
The Scottish Football Association was able to source referees from other European associations to officiate the scheduled Scottish Premier League games, with the Dundee United-Rangers and Motherwell-Heart Of Midlothian matches being postponed due to the
weather.
However, the referees hope that they will be taken seriously after their strike and the decision of Dougie McDonald to retire as a top-level official over the same weekend.
McDonald announced his retirement several weeks after a controversial incident at Tannadice, when he awarded Celtic a penalty only to reverse his decision. He later admitted lying about the reasons for the U-turn.
In a statement, the referees said: "Dougie retiring caps a sad time for Scottish refereeing. We hope the right people can sit down with referees and play a full part in delivering the real changes required. We hope the weekend has allowed everyone connected
with Scottish football to have the period of reflection we felt was needed."
SFA chief executive Stewart Regan was pleased with the willingness of the referees to hold talks, and added that there must measures put in place to ensure that there is no repeat of such action by the officials.
In a statement, he said: "The last week represented a challenging and traumatic time for Scottish football. It's essential for the game's image and health that we all learn from this experience to ensure no repeat. We welcome the referees' intention to sit
down and play their part in delivering the changes required.
"I reiterate my personal determination to improve the efficiency and transparency of our decision-making. I have received board support in this regard and it is imperative we are given time to put changes in place. This review will also require the patience
and support of clubs, fans and the media, all of whom I am sure will recognise that such measures will benefit the game as a whole.”
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