Extreme Football Forum  |  Football Forums  |  Scottish Football  |  Topic: Regan calls for respect of referees

BBC

New Scottish FA chief executive Stewart Regan plans a "respect" campaign early next year after a month dominated by refereeing controversy.

Regan headed an investigation that reprimanded referee Dougie McDonald for inaccuracies in explaining a decision.

Rescinding a penalty award had led to criticism by Celtic and a media debate.

"I would like to see a campaign launched for respecting the referees and respecting the game of football in this country," said Regan.

"This whole handling of referees by managers, players and clubs has got to stop.

"In the last four weeks since I came into this role, my desk, my inbox and my telephone has seen nothing but discussions about referees.

"We are getting discussed across the world for the way the referees are being treated and I do feel it is time we stood up and said enough is enough."

The former Yorkshire County Cricket Club chief executive instigated the inquiry into McDonald's decision to rescind a penalty he initially gave to Celtic during their 2-1 Scottish Premier League win over Dundee United on 17 October.

For several days after the match, SFA head of referees Hugh Dallas explained that McDonald had changed his mind after being alerted to his mistake by assistant Steven Craven.

Craven subsequently quit the professional game, believing he had been made a scapegoat, and is reportedly ready to tell his side of the story in the media this weekend.