REFEREES: IT’S TIME TO GET TOUGH

SCOTLAND’S top refs have called on the Scottish FA to carry out an “urgent full investigation” of the safety measures in place at matches.

The demand comes after assistant referee Calum Spence was hit by an object thrown from the crowd during the Premiership game between Livingston and Rangers. Police are treating the attack as assault.

The union which represents officials in Scotland have expressed their concerns in a letter to SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell.

The union’s negotiating officer in Scotland, Ian

Perth, said: “We strongly condemn the unacceptable incident during Sunday’s game. This cannot be tolerated.

“We call on the Scottish FA to carry out an urgent full investigation of safety measures in place during matches.

“Like any other worker, referees and officials are entitled to a safe workplace free of intimidation and violence.

“We welcome the widespread condemnation of the incident by football supporters from all clubs across Scotland.

“Prospect have formally written to chief executive Ian Maxwell seeking to understand what steps he will be taking to ensure match officials feel protected and supported as they carry out their vital role.”

Ian Maxwell (pictured), the chief executive of the Scottish Football Association condemned the behaviour saying: “This kind of primitive act – whether something is thrown at players, staff or officials – should be driven out of the game.

“At a time when there is so much to be positive about with regards to Scottish football, hopefully this is a wake-up call for some that there are lines of basic decency that should not be crossed.”

Meanwhile, John Fleming, the head of referee operations, said he was disgusted by what unfolded on Sunday and condemned the attack as “cowardly”.

He said: “It is completely unacceptable for someone contributing to the sport to be the subject of such a cowardly, reckless act.

“I’m sure I speak for the vast majority of people when I say that simply cannot be tolerated.” it