SCOTTISH referees have reacted furiously to proposals to introduce officials from Wales and Northern Ireland for top flight games.
And a statement released by the trade union for the refs have slammed the SFA for their failure to adequately protect officials who have been subject to intense criticism this season.
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Speaking after news emerged today that a meeting took place on Monday in which the governing body agreed to consider an overhaul of their own disciplinary system, the statement is scathing of both the proposals and the current lack of protection given to whistlers.
The decision came after talks involving all 12 top flight club and the SFA at the start of the week.
SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell, compliance officer Clare Whyte and refs’ chief John Fleming, were in all in attendance at the meeting but the official trade union for referees in Scotland have reacted furiously to the news. A statement released this afternoon read:
"If there is substance to today's media reports that the Scottish Football Association are in talks with clubs about introducing overseas based officials, it's another appalling development.
‘’.... If there is substance to today’s media reports that the Scottish Football Association are in talks with clubs about introducing overseas based officials, it’s another appalling development........... '' Scottish based referees' statement. pic.twitter.com/q4aIq2paH9
— Scottish Football Referees (@ScotRefs) February 20, 2019
"Everyone involved agrees that the professionalism and standards in many areas of Scottish football needs to be drive up.
"At present the association continues to refuse to afford referees basic worker status as they carry out their vital duties. The SFA has refused to respond to our calls to address serious health and safety concerns in recent months and this is another potentially serious development.
"We will seek that the SFA urgently clarifies its position on this matter."
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