Fixtures in Scotland face possible postponement next weekend after Category One referees voted to strike. Scottish match officials are upset with the avalanche of criticism that has come their way this season. The decision to take strike action was reached at a referees' union meeting held on Sunday afternoon. There are six Scottish Premier League scheduled for next weekend. There is also a full card in the Scottish Football League. The ALBA Challenge Cup final between Queen of the South and Ross County at McDiarmid Park is also under threat, as will any Scottish Cup replays. BBC Scotland has learned that officials are concerned that their integrity is constantly being questioned and there are increasing fears over personal safety as a result of public criticism from managers and the media. Scottish Premier League referees threatened to strike over pay in 2008 but the threat was lifted when a review was set up to study their wage demands. Last month, Hamilton manager Billy Reid warned that he would understand if referees were to refuse to officiate because of the excessive criticism directed at them. On Thursday, Celtic chairman John Reid called for the resignation of referee Dougie McDonald, saying "his position is completely untenable" after he was warned by the Scottish Football Association for lying about his reasons for overturning a penalty award. In the wake of McDonald's deception, SFA chief executive Stewart Regan has promised an overhaul of how referees are disciplined. The SFA are not commenting on the matter, with a spokesman saying they have not had any official notification of the planned strike.
