Referee Union calls out managers for manipulating ‘fan ire’

The Scottish Senior Football Referees’ Association has accused managers of trying to turn ‘fan ire’ on to match officials to deflect away from performances and results.

There was a high number of contentious decisions made at the weekend with Neil Warnock angry over a penalty awarded against Aberdeen while Celtic and Kilmarnock have put in appeals against red cards issued to players.

With VAR in operation for 17 months there shouldn’t be any debate over a player being sent off when two VAR officials and the match referee can review incidents from multiple angles.

Brendan Rodgers‘ comments from Tynecastle caught most of the media attention, it seems inevitable that the Celtic boss will be hit with a disrepute charge and asked to explain his comment on John Beaton being incompetent.

With an almost complete media blackout from the SFA to discuss and explain decisions there is a vacuum in the news cycle that leaves managers, players and supporters frustrated at the lack of transparency and accountability.

Reacting to the events over the weekend, Glasgow Times reports the SSFRA stating:

It has become too easy throughout the course of this season for managers and clubs to turn the focus – and resultant fan ire – on to match officials, often to deflect from team performance and results.

We fully appreciate the importance of matches, especially now as we head into the defining period of the season for the destiny of the championship, European and top-six places, as well as relegation and play-off matters.

Nonetheless, match officials should be able to carry out their duties without fear of them impacting their personal lives, their personal safety and the safety and security of their families.

It is regrettable that criticism, which we generally accept is a part of the game for players and coaches as well as referees, has become much more frequent, disproportionate, and personalised towards our members.

Everyone involved in Scottish football has a responsibility to behave professionally and respectfully and to understand the consequences of their actions.

Celtic will find out the outcome of their appeal against the red card issued to Yang Hyun-jun this afternoon after a meeting of the SFA Disciplinary Committee at Hampden.