Gribz 743 Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 The start of the Scottish Premier League this weekend could be delayed because of a strike threat from the country's Referees' Association (SRA). The SPL is meeting the SRA at Hampden Park on Tuesday in an attempt to resolve a pay row, with the referees demanding a 39% pay rise. It is believed the referees have been promised �£600 a match - a �£25 increase - but they are holding out for �£800. The referees met with the SPL on Monday without agreement. "We expect the matter to be resolved soon," said an SPL spokesman. "I have spoken to a number of referees and the threat of strike action is certainly a real one," BBC Scotland's Brian McLauchlin told Radio 5 Live. "They are looking for parity with other comparable leagues in Europe, like Norway, Holland, Belgium and Greece. "In Norway, referees receive �£1200 per game, in Scotland they get �£575. The Scottish referees do not want what they get in Norway but what they do want is the SPL to make them a reasonable offer. "They train two or three nights a week, they do workshops, as well as going to clubs and giving up their time free of charge. "They want the SPL to be realistic but they have been offered an increase of �£25, to the referees that is just not acceptable." Premier League referees in England receive an annual retainer of �£33,000 plus �£300 per match in fees. Jim Trainer, head of sport at the Daily Record, says that the row is not just all about money. "They do believe they are worth more money because of the pressure they are under now but they want the authorities to understand they need to be protected from chairman and managers who question their honesty and integrity," he said. "We are at the stage where referees are pilloried far too often now. It's unfair. When managers start saying openly that a referee has cheated, then we need to sit down and think again. "The referees are attempting to flex some muscle because they feel, and have done for a number of seasons, that they are not given the proper support and backing from the Scottish Football Association and the people who run the SPL. "There is the real threat that they will not do the games this Saturday and I think there are a lot of fans that do support referees on this. "The SPL will have to come to some sort of compromise because they cannot delay the start of the season." The SPL kicks off this Saturday, with Rangers travelling to Falkirk in the opening game at 1230 BST. Erm...im all for given them a pay rise if they earned it, but last season was the worst ive ever seen from SPL refs. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wija 0 Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 I agree to a degree Gribz, but they arenot getting the backing or the training. I would pay them as the Mhedia and certain fans from all clubs give abuse that referee's should not get. Also the players give abuse that frankly should get them sent off, fined and banned for games. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gribz 743 Posted August 5, 2008 Author Share Posted August 5, 2008 Also the players give abuse that frankly should get them sent off, fined and banned for games. Yip agree with that. When players disrespect the officials with foul mouth language then straight reds should be given. I suppose the refs are only doing what they are told/taught but the start/stopping of games and always given decisions the wrong way is at a poor level 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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