Following a weekend of high-stakes drama in Scotland’s premier division, The SSFRA has lashed out against criticism that has grown “much more frequent, disproportionate, and personalised.”
Throughout the weekend, a number of high-profile incidents—including Rangers and Celtic games—made headlines. Dan Casey, the winner of the Motherwell match, challenged Ross McCausland at Ibrox, and Philippe Clement was not happy about it. At the moment, he managed to avoid any caution and went home with a surprising victory at Ibrox. Dermot Gallagher, a former EPL whistler, asserted in his Ref Watch section that he ought to have received a red card.
A day later, Tynecastle seized the spotlight as Brendan Rodgers angrily yelled at John Beaton in the VAR room after the game, citing Yang’s high boot on Alex Cochrane as the catalyst. After just over fifteen minutes of play, the player in the middle was sent off for a second time for a tackle that was deemed to have been made in the box by Tomoki Iwata. Adam Idah missed the penalty kick, and Lawrence Shankland added a second before Jorge Grant opened the score.
Since then, Celtic has appealed Yang’s red card, and a fast-track hearing is scheduled for this Tuesday. Rodgers is also under investigation by the SFA for his hurtful post-match remarks. Neil Warnock was perplexed by VAR’s delay in handing St Mirren a penalty, and Kilmarnock also had Lewis Mayo ordered out at Dundee with the Rugby Park team since appealing the ruling.
Following comments from pundits and former professionals regarding the events over the weekend, the Scottish Senior Football Referees’ Association has released a statement. It says this: “Over the course of this season, managers and clubs have found it all too easy to shift the attention—and consequently, fan ire—on to match officials, frequently as a way to divert attention away from team performance and outcomes.
“We understand the significance of games, particularly as we approach the pivotal time of the season that will determine the championship, European and top-six spots, as well as play-off and relegation issues.
But match officials should be free to perform their jobs without worrying about how it would affect their personal life, their personal safety, or their families’ safety and security.
“It is unfortunate that criticism, which we all understand is a necessary component of the game for officials, coaches, and players, has increased significantly in frequency, disproportionate severity, and personalization toward our members.
“It is the duty of every individual participating in Scottish football to act in a polite and professional manner and to be aware of the consequences of their actions.”
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