by The Scottish Football Association has warned that the continual attacks aimed at referees could force them underground, making it difficult to monitor their movements.
The warning follows revelations that the threats being waged at Scottish referees could lead to an influx of foreign officials that, according to an upcoming Panorama report, might not speak English that well and in extreme cases might have a darker shade of skin colour.
Scottish fans are already concerned about the new wave of foreign referees, with one Celtic fan telling us, “I don’t know the Scandinavian for ‘you blind bastard!’, so how are we supposed to communicate with them on a match day?”
“If they don’t understand Scottish insults, they shouldn’t be allowed into the country.”
The English FA have also spoken of their concerns in light of developments north of the border, with fears that a News of the World backed campaign to bring in a law allowing football fans to access details of any referees that live in their area, could lead to vigilante groups.
The proposed legislation, already known as Warnock’s Law, is gathering support amongst players, managers and supporters who have been affected by the actions of referees.
Scottish Referees
Blackpool manager Ian Holloway is just one manager to speak out in favour of the new law aiming to provide greater transparency about the referees living among us.
“Your football club is like your child, ” he revealed. “You try and guide them and shout encouragement from the sidelines.”
“Referees are put in a position of trust, and they might soften you up with some sugar-coated decisions or get your sympathy with the sad eyes of someone who’s lost a puppy.”
“And then BAM! They take advantage of their position and shag your team roughly from behind – it happens time and time again.”
“I get a fined for making an analogy based on pulling in a night-club, and yet the ref gets off scot-free for continually abusing my child.”
“We need to keep a close on these people. I’m not saying they can’t contribute usefully to society, I believe in rehabilitation – but we need to keep them on a tight leash.” He concluded.
