Source: FOOTYMAD
Strike While The Blood Is Hot
The SFA are between a rock and a hard place and have to find a way out. The situation over criticism of officials has reached boiling point. While referees have always been fair game in arguments during and after matches, it never used to be the main headline in the sports segment of news programmes let alone the lead story of the bulletin itself. However, it has come to pass that one club, Celtic, has effectively come out and accused officials of unfair treatment to their detriment. What ever happened to statements like 'it all evens up over a season'? All managers could point to match changing situations where they disagreed with a referee's decision but I cannot recall such a sustained attack from any club or clubs. The SFA should not have to be looking for help from out with the Scottish referee community to take change of the games in the SPL. However, that is what they are having to consider. The ruling body sympathise with the officials and clubs but have to provide officials for the SPL games. They will have to tread carefully but be seen to make reasonable moves to prevent the strike and arbitrate between the two sides of the dispute.Stewart Regan, SFA Chief Executive said: "I have every sympathy for the refereeing fraternity at this time and completely understand why incessant scrutiny, criticism and questioning of their integrity has brought them to the brink of a withdrawal of labour. I cannot, however, condone what will amount to strike action and believe we must now engage in positive dialogue to avert the possibility that we will have no football this weekend. This scenario is not helpful to the image or reputation of the game. Fulfilling the weekend fixture calendar is our priority and we have an obligation to the leagues, supporters, clubs, sponsors and media partners to do our utmost to ensure all senior games are refereed. While we remain hopeful that the situation can be resolved to everyone’s satisfaction, we have no option but to draw up contingency plans, which will involve sourcing match officials in other countries. I am in discussions with the Scottish Senior Football Referees’ Association and share their view that recent public comments have not been helpful. I have been astonished by the unhealthy level of interest in elements of football in this country that ought to be peripheral. I have made a commitment to reviewing certain aspects of the Scottish FA’s internal operations and have been trying to finalise initiatives I believe can help improve the efficiency, transparency and accountability of the governing body. I need space and support to finalise these proposals and have already received Board approval in this regard. The raft of ongoing issues played out in the media will only delay this process and I believe there is a responsibility on all of us to try to move forward and create a more positive climate. In the meantime, I reiterate my support to the referees in this country, who provide a fantastic service in very difficult - and now seemingly impossible - circumstances." Editor Ger Harley (ger@scottishfitba net)Admin Team (admin@scottishfitba net)This is Scottish-Fitba.Net
