Regan says he has SFA board backing to make changes

Scottish FA chief Stewart Regan says football must learn from a week in which referees went on strike and two senior officials left their posts.

"The last week represented a challenging and traumatic time for Scottish football," said Regan.

"It's essential for the game's image and health that we all learn from this experience to ensure no repeat.

"We welcome the referees' intention to sit down and play their part in delivering the changes required."

Regan issued the statement after a weekend in which top referees went on strike, he dismissed head of refereeing development Hugh Dallas, and category one referee Dougie McDonald opted to take early retirement.

We hope the right people can sit down with referees and play a full part in delivering the real changes required Statement by Scottish referees

McDonald stepped down on Sunday, having previously resisted calls for such a gesture since admitting lying over a decision during October's match between Dundee United and Celtic.

"In relation to Dougie McDonald's retirement, we appreciate the difficulties senior referees are facing with increasing pressure exerted on them," said Regan.

"Dougie felt that pressure in the aftermath of the Tannadice game had become intolerable.

"In his statement, Dougie referred to a perceived lack of general support from one of the Scottish FA committees.

"We have already identified the need to make changes to our current disciplinary processes.

"These changes will lead to significant improvement for the Scottish FA and the game in general."

Scotland's category one referees said they hoped that their strike and McDonald's retirement could pave the way for talks aimed at changing Scottish football.

"We welcome the referees' intention to sit down and play their part in delivering the changes required," said Regan.

"I reiterate my personal determination to improve the efficiency and transparency of our decision-making.

"I have received board support in this regard and it is imperative we are given time to put changes in place.

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"This review will also require the patience and support of clubs, fans and the media, all of whom I am sure will recognise that such measures will benefit the game as a whole."

McDonald's Sunday announcement cut short his refereeing career by about 18 months.

The 45-year-old had admitted that he misled Celtic manager Neil Lennon over his reasons for rescinding a spot-kick he initially awarded at Tannadice on 17 October.

Celtic had been calling for McDonald to step down, with their chairman, John Reid, describing the official's position as "untenable".

His departure came after a weekend in which the refereeing development chief Hugh Dallas was sacked and Scotland's category one referees went on strike over the increasing criticism and abuse to which they feel they are subjected.

A statement on behalf of Scotland's top referees said: "Dougie retiring caps a sad time for Scottish refereeing.

"We hope the right people can sit down with referees and play a full part in delivering the real changes required.

"We hope the weekend has allowed everyone connected with Scottish football to have the period of reflection we felt was needed."

Former Fifa referee Kenny Clark echoed the hopes for dialogue but also agreed with McDonald's opinion that the SFA has generally shown a "lack of support" for their officials.

"That's certainly a widespread view amongst my former refereeing colleagues," said Clark.

"Hopefully now all parties will feel they can meet round the table to take matters forward or Scottish football.

McDonald was a category one referee since 1997

"But I think it's very important now that we acknowledge a line has been drawn in the sand, partly as a result of the referees' action over the weekend to withdraw services, and increase the debate in relation to the abuse refs have had to suffer in recent months both on and off the park.

"I would be very surprised if Stewart Regan didn't look at that issue as part of his review and I'd like to think he'd take into account everyone's opinions on these matters."

Regan must now also find a replacement for Dallas, who was sacked after sending what was deemed to be a tasteless e-mail about the Pope.

And Clark believes he should look abroad for the new man.

"Stewart Regan is now faced with a difficult task in marshalling things within the SFA and, in particular, within the refereeing development department," he added.

"He would be wise to consider bringing in someone from outside Scottish football to head that department on the basis that that individual comes in with a completely clean sheet in the eyes of all who might be looking at who has been appointed.

"It's been a spectacular and very strange week for Scottish football, but perhaps now we can make some sort of progress."

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