Referees are considering a strike in Scottish amateur football after a violent attack by a player (STOCK IMAGE) (Image: Photographer's Choice.)

Scottish referees consider amateur football strike action after violent attack on whistler

Police are investigating after a crazed Sunday footballer assaulted a referee during a match last weekend.

by · Daily Record

Referees are weighing up strike action after a whistler was injured in an attack by a crazed Sunday footballer. Police are investigating after a match official was allegedly headbutted and punched.

Now amateur refs are considering bringing the grassroots game to a halt amid growing violence and abuse.

Last weekend’s flashpoint, at a match between Paisley-based Todholm and Budhill United, from Glasgow, is the latest in a catalogue of shocking incidents.

One amateur ref – who wishes to remain anonymous – said: "Strike action is being talked about in several districts. This latest incident could be the last straw. Every ref you speak to has their own horror story.

"The amateur leagues are the worst – not every game, but some are like the Wild West. You’re on your own. If a team turns on you, you're very aware of how vulnerable you are, and look to see how far away your car is.

"People forget without us there is no national game. It's time they were reminded of that, a strike would perhaps be the best way." Last Sunday the ref was allegedly attacked by a player from Budhill, whose club motto is 'Get In Tae Them'.

Budhill's post about the incident.
Todholm's tweet about the incident.

The match at New Western Park, Renfrew, was stopped after nine minutes. Witnesses said players had to drag the attacker away. Last year, SFA outgoing head of referee operations, Crawford Allan, warned many refs were quitting.

He said: "A lot of them say, 'I knew I'd get shouted at but I didn't realise it would be as bad'." The Scottish Amateur Football Association couldn’t comment due to an ongoing disciplinary.

The SFA said: "The Referee Operations Department has been in contact and the official is being supported."

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