Scottish referees threaten action over abuse and threats - 'we reserve all options'

Scottish referees could be prepared to go on strike if they continue to suffer from "abuse, intimidation, threats or the leaking of private information".

The warning came from the Scottish Senior Football Referees’ Association over the "entirely disproportionate" reaction to recent decisions after match official John Beaton was put under police protection when his personal details were leaked online following the stoppage time penalty awarded to Celtic in a 3-2 win over Motherwell.

The SSFRA also hit out at managers, clubs and the media for “irresponsible commentary” and branded the growing issue of pitch invasions "dangerous and abhorrent" as it called on authorities to impose stronger sanctions. Hundreds of Celtic fans invaded the pitch after the title-clinching victory over Hearts last weekend.

Referee John Beaton consults VAR and then awards Celtic a penalty after Motherwell's Sam Nicholson is judged to have handled the ball. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group) | SNS Group

Scottish referees previously went on strike in 2010 over a dispute with the Scottish Football Association when the governing body was accused of not doing enough to protect officials from toxic criticism and personal threats. The action resulted in replacement referees being flown in from Europe.

The SSFRA say they “reserve all options open to us” if things do not improve going forward.

A statement from the referees' group read: “The SSFRA stands firmly alongside our colleagues following the wholly unacceptable reaction to recent refereeing decisions.

“We accept scrutiny is a part of football, but what we have witnessed in the last month has been entirely disproportionate and crossed the line from legitimate debate into behaviour risking the safety of officials and their family.

“Irresponsible commentary from some managers, clubs and sections of the media has only served to fuel an already toxic environment.

“We therefore welcome the Scottish FAs call for all stakeholders to act more responsibly in both their language and conduct.

“No referee should be subjected to this abuse, intimidation, threats or the leaking of private information simply for carrying out their duties. Such conduct has no place in Scottish football or society more generally.

“We also note with particular concern the unacceptable behaviour of supporters entering the field of play. This dangerous and abhorrent behaviour must never be accepted as the norm.

“We call on the relevant authorities to significantly strengthen their regulatory framework so that meaningful sanctions can be imposed, both as a punishment and as a strong deterrent, before such time as a match official or player suffers serious harm.

“Referees perform a difficult role in an intensely demanding environment and deserve the same respect, and protection afforded to everyone else in the game.

“Scottish football cannot thrive in an atmosphere where referees are subjected to personal attacks for making decisions in the course of their duties. Should this behaviour continue, we will reserve all options open to us.

“We urge all stakeholders to work together to ensure Scottish football remains safe for everyone involved.”

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