Referees across Scotland are showing their support for a police initiative to tackle domestic abuse.

Officials at yesterday’s Scottish Premier League, Scottish Football League and Scottish Cup fixtures wore white ribbon badges highlighting the crackdown on violence in the home.

The move is part of the latest phase of the Strathclyde Police Violence Reduction Unit’s two-month campaign against domestic abuse.

Hugh Dallas, head of referee development at the Scottish Football Association, said: “All of our senior match officials are pleased to support the campaign. It is important to highlight this important issue through a sport that reaches such a wide and varied audience.”

Adverts promoting the White Ribbon Campaign also appeared in match programmes for yesterday’s SPL games.

The Anti-Violence Campaign, which officially runs from December 1 to January 31, was launched at Hampden Park on Friday.

It will see officers tackle domestic abuse by detaining offenders in custody before court appearances. There will also be strict enforcement of bail conditions, with regular checks at homes where suspected offenders are banned from entering.

Chief Inspector Graham Goulden, who is leading the Anti-Violence Campaign, said: “Robust enforcement will be a key focus for forces, but we will also work with a number of agencies to support victims with the aim of reducing repeat victims.”

Lily Greenan, of Scottish Women’s Aid, said: “The White Ribbon Campaign encourages men to take a stand against violence against women and it is vital that Scottish men sign up to it. The involvement of referees in the campaign sends out a clear message about the unacceptable nature of domestic abuse.”