SFA invite top refs to Scotland friendly

The Scottish Football Association has invited the country’s top referees and assistants to Scotland’s friendly against Czech Republic at Hampden on Wednesday as special guests, reports the Press and Journal.

The gesture comes in a week where match officials have come under the spotlight after an unnamed Celtic source revealed the Hoops’ unhappiness at decisions they feel have gone against them this season.

Chief executive Gordon Smith said: “Given the level of criticism that has been aimed at the refereeing fraternity this season – some justified, some wholly unnecessary – I felt it was only proper that the Scottish FA should be proactive in promoting the positive aspects of officiating and recognising the good work that has often gone unnoticed.

“We have a duty to protect our referees and encourage them to attain and maintain the highest standards.

“I hope that by inviting them along to the start of an exciting new era for the national team on Wednesday, they will recognise they have our full support.”

Hugh Dallas, the SFA’s head of referee development, added: “This is a magnificent gesture by the chief executive and one I know will be gratefully received by our referees. We have just returned from a very productive winter training camp and the referees are all looking forward to the remainder of the season with a renewed focus.

“This gesture has come at a time when refereeing decisions are being scrutinised like never before but, by extending this invitation, the message of support from the top is clear and welcome.”