WITH Scotland’s referees due to strike this weekend, the SFA is looking to Ireland for replacements to ensure fixtures go ahead.
The strike emanantes from criticism of referees in recent weeks, deemed to be a step too far.
Celtic are at the heart of the controversy since Dougie McDonald reversed a penalty decision he initially awarded to the side against Dundee United in October.
Celtic chairman John Reid called for McDonald to be sacked after the referee admitted he had misled manager Neil Lennon on why he had changed his decision.
The remarks have sparked an outcry from referees who are determined to withdraw their services this weekend in protest.
“Unfortunately the behaviour of some people in recent weeks has tarnished the image of Scottish football. It has demeaned the game. The culture of inference, innuendo and conspiracy theories must stop.”
– The SFA president, George Peat
With the League of Ireland now in its close season, Irish referees seem likely to be called over to Scotland as the SFA are contractually obliged to ensure all matches go ahead.