Category One referees in Scotland voted to take industrial action over the intensity of criticism their decisions have been receiving from clubs and fans.
“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,” said SFA Chief Executive Officer Stewart Regan.
“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,” he added. “I cannot, however, condone what will amount to strike action.”
Earlier yesterday, SFA president George Peat described the decision by the referees to strike as a “sad day for Scottish football”.
