Strike Detrimental To Scottish Profile

23 November 2010 06:36
It will be a blow to Scottish football if the threatened strike by referees coems to pass. Former Hibs and Falkirk manager John Hughes has found a new job. He appears to be the first port of call for any quote regarding Scottish football. As he is out of the game at the moment he can offer his views without tainting any club or be subject to any sanctions from governing bodies. Talking of the referees dispute  Hughes considers Scottish football would become a "laughing stock" if the proposed referees strike action went ahead. Category one referees voted on Sunday to withdraw their labour this weekend amid increasing safety fears in the wake of recent and severe criticism. Hughes said: "I'm hoping it doesn't go as far as that because it will make us the laughing stock of world football and we have to be promoting the Scottish game. It's about getting everyone together in the same room for the best of Scottish football, so you can see everyone's point of view. The game is in a little bit of chaos. It needs bringing together and I sympathise with the referees because they do get a hard time. But managers are also open to criticism, that is part and parcel of the job. Referees need to be accountable and there has to be more transparency in what goes on behind the doors at Hampden. But one thing I will say, if referees are getting phone calls to their home or work place, or their kids are getting a hard time at school, then that is not on, that is way below the belt. After all, it is just a sport." Motherwell striker Jamie Murphy believes it is unfair that his club may be idle when they should be playing Hearts on Sunday. He said: "It is disappointing. The players just want to play football. You get some (decisions) and you don't get some, you just carry on with it, especially at a club like Motherwell. The gaffer has told us to be very respectful to referees and I think he has been as well. It's a bit unfair but we will get on with it and prepare as if we have a game on Sunday. Hopefully it all gets resolved and the games go ahead. It's up to the referees now." Editor Ger Harley (ger@scottishfitba net)Admin Team (admin@scottishfitba net)This is Scottish-Fitba.Net

Source: FOOTYMAD