Scots soccer refs consider industrial action over safety issue

Scottish football referees could be heading for industrial action in the wake of the three-match suspension handed out to Celtic player Neil Lennon.

Lennon escaped a lengthy suspension from the Scottish Football Association (SFA) after clashing and jostling with referee Stuart Dougal in a game last month. He was sent off after the end of the game, but the midfielder then aggressively challenged Dougal.

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The referee has already expressed his disappointment with the punishment after attending the SFA disciplinary hearing in person. And now the newly-formed Scottish Senior Referees Association (SSRA) has started balloting members over the possibility of industrial action.

An SSRA spokesman said: “In the wake of recent developments relating to the safety of match officials during games, we are currently canvassing the opinion of our members. Feedback we will receive will allow us to formulate our next steps.”