Source: PA
Hibs boss expects game to go ahead
Hibernian manager Colin Calderwood sympathises with the "solidarity" shown by referees over the impending strike but expects Saturday's Clydesdale Bank Premier League match with St Johnstone at Easter Road to go ahead as scheduled.
Scotland's leading officials have reaffirmed their decision to withdraw their labour this weekend as they seek a "fundamental reappraisal" of their relationship with football and society, meaning the Scottish Football Association are seeking foreign officials in order to fulfil this weekend's fixtures.
Calderwood believes officials are right to express their grievances in such a way. The Hibs boss said: "What else can they do? I would imagine they've got to go through the power brokers of football and set down what they think is right and wrong.
"I think it's quite a good thing that they've all come together and shown solidarity. It really does bring it into focus that they are required come the weekend."
Calderwood, though, fully anticipates Hibs' match with St Johnstone will proceed on Saturday, with the SFA providing officials from alternative sources.
"The games will go ahead - I think that's clear in our mind and we've prepared that way," added Calderwood. "It would be wrong not to have the games. I expect them to take place. Whoever referees it I'm sure they'll be of the right standard."
