Scottish FA confirm referee strike will go ahead.

Thu 25th Nov 2010 | Football Governance

The Scottish Football Association has confirmed that the planned strike by referees will go ahead this weekend

Stewart Regan, Chief Executive of the Scottish FA confirmed the news stating: “This is a very sad day for Scottish football.”

The action by the referees this weekend has prompted anger amongst Scotland’s football governing bodies as they sought to avert the action. Regan and the board of the SFA had been in intensive talks with the SPL and SFL to find a solution to the problem but they admitted last night that they could not find a solution.

“After further positive talks yesterday, and having received the backing of both the SPL and the SFL, I felt that we had shown our commitment to the refereeing fraternity and that they had recognised that substantial progress had been made”, Regan added.

“If this withdrawal of labour goes ahead it will be the fans, clubs, sponsors and media partners who will suffer and that cannot be good for the game in this country. 

“I would urge the Category 1 referees to reconsider their decision and, having benefited from the wave of sympathy for their current situation, plus the offer of affirmative action, realise the potential impact of their actions.”

Neil Doncaster, SPL Chief Executive: “It is deeply regrettable that Scottish match officials will not be taking charge of Clydesdale Bank Premier League games this weekend.

“The SPL is sympathetic towards referees and the criticism they have received in recent weeks but the way to address concerns is through dialogue, not to walk away from the situation.”

David Longmuir, SFL Chief Executive: “The SFL is extremely disappointed that despite our efforts nothing could be done to avert the course of action about to be taken by our referee colleagues this weekend.

“Throughout the last few days we have tried to find a solution for both the short and long term which would have reinforced our existing support and admiration for all Scottish referees.

“Our commitment to that is unchanged. However, as a result of the action planned for this weekend, many of our clubs and supporters will feel let down.”

The SFA have now confirmed that the weekend strike will proceed as planned but they will implement, where possible, a contingency plan to allow some fixtures to take place, using officials from other international associations.

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