Grade one referees in Scotland will inform the Scottish Football Association if they are to make themselves available for this weekend's scheduled fixtures on Thursday morning.
The referees voted on Sunday to withdraw their labour as a protest against recent and increasing abuse and criticism which they feel has put their personal safety at risk. Discussions between the SFA and the referees' representatives have lasted two days and all the referees will be canvassed for their thoughts before a decision is made.
The SFA have declared noon on Thursday as the deadline before they turn elsewhere for replacement referees. However, approaches were rejected in Iceland and Norway, while Irish, Welsh and Swedish officials have indicated that they would be unwilling to help out.
Indeed, the SFA have been told they should deal with their own refereeing problems by Uno Tutk, head of referees at the Estonia FA.
Tutk, also a UEFA observer, claimed the SFA had not yet been in touch but he added that Scotland's ruling football body should have deal with the problem in-house.
Tutk said: "Every association should manage their own situation. If they can't do that then that is bad. I am surprised by what I hear.
"I have seen Scottish referees such as William Collum, Dougie McDonald and Alan Muir in recent years and from my point of view they have had no problems. They get appointed to lots of games so they must be well thought of.
"Scotland has a long tradition in football and have had great referees in the past like Hugh Dallas. I am surprised at the criticism, there is some pressure on referees in Estonia but nothing compared to what I hear in Scotland. It must be really serious.
"Our league season ended last weekend. Estonian referees have a closing meeting next weekend and all the top referees will be there.
"I don't see any possibility of sending them over and anyway I think they would support their colleagues in Scotland. But there has been no official contact."
Source: PA
