Celtic boss Neil Lennon is 'optimistic' that some good will come from the SPL referee strike. The Scottish Football Association have spent all week scouring Europe for replacement officials, ensuring this weekend's top flight fixtures will go ahead as planned.
He admits that the adverse publicity generated by the striking officials has damaged the image of Scottish football, but feels the issue could be good for the game in the long run.
"What's been going on in the last week or so doesn't put a good light on the game," the Celtic boss said.
"But I'm optimistic that something good will come out of it.
"First of all I'm pleased that the game is going ahead, not only for the players but the supporters as well.
"It would have been a major disappointment to everyone at the club if the game hadn't gone ahead.
"We will see what the aftermath is after this weekend.
"It's not for me to comment on why there is a strike or what the reasons for the strike are, people have their own reasons for that.
"I understand it to a certain extent but I'm hoping that it will have a positive reaction rather than a negative one."
