Scottish Football Association
Former referee says SFA whistlers at risk as cops probe threats after Celtic v Rangers match
John Beaton got a police escort yesterday and Charlie Richmond says refs are being increasingly targeted in the street and on social media.
Norman Silvester
Referee John Beaton with police guard at Ayr United v Falkirk clash (Image: SNS)
A former Grade One referee has warned football officials are being increasingly targeted by thugs angry with decisions they make on the pitch.
Highly respected ref Charlie Richmond spoke out as police launched an investigation into threatening texts and calls made to John Beaton after he handled last Saturday's Old Firm clash.
Beaton was criticised because Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos was not punished over three incidents in the 1-0 win for the Gers over Celtic at Ibrox.
Richmond blamed Scottish Football Association bosses for not doing enough to protect match officials from extreme behaviour.
He also said managers sparked problems by making inflammatory comments about officials after games.
Alfredo Morelos catches Scott Brown in the opening minutes of the game (Image: SNS)
Cops confirm probe into John Beaton abuse messages following Rangers v Celtic clash
The 51-year-old engineering lecturer said referees are having to put up with frequent public confrontations with fans.
Yesterday, Beaton was driven to the Ayr-Falkirk Championship league game by SFA head of security Peter McLaughlin and escorted into the ground by two police officers and a steward.
Richmond said: "Referees are being increasingly recognised in the street and facing a reaction from a small minority of people who think it is OK to have a go at you.
"Face-to-face stuff you have to deal with but the social media attacks can often be worse.
"Many refs have to restrict their own social media activity to stop people trying to get hold of them.
"You have people creating false identities online just to target referees.
"When I was a ref, I was aware things were being said about me on social media and fans' sites but I just ignored them.
"I always advise refs not to go on and read them."
Richmond retired in 2012 after more than 20 years at the top level.
Former Scottish football referee Charlie Richmond believes officials are being targeted more often (Image: Daily Record)
He worked at six Old Firm games as a fourth official and was in charge of seven Edinburgh derbies.
Richmond added: "There has to be more support from the SFA after games when officials come under fire.
"I feel they could have given John Beaton more backing earlier in the week.
"The managers also need to take more responsibility. The comments they sometimes make after games are ridiculous and can often inflame already difficult situations. A football summit could not come at a better time.
"We need to sit down round the table – players, managers, the SFA and club owners – and find ways of protecting the game and referees.
"I do not think there is a good relationship between everyone at the moment.
"The police are limited in what they can do. It needs everyone getting round the table to thrash this out and ensure the future safety of referees."
Richmond says the growth in social media and fans' forums is also to blame for threats to referees.
John Beaton during Rangers v Celtic clash (Image: Daily Record)
Yesterday, the SFA appeared to back Richmond's call for a summit on referee safety.
Chief executive Ian Maxwell said: "We will shortly be engaging with stakeholders to allow them to
discuss issues, air concerns and propose improvements to this area of our game."
Maxwell also said a line had been crossed in the threats to Beaton and urged respect for officials. He added: "It is with deep dismay that, in the last 24 hours, we learned of one of our match officials having had threats made against him and his family.
"We are in close contact with those involved and with Police Scotland to ensure they are safe and that those
responsible are identified and held accountable for their actions.
"This is not the first time in recent weeks that our match officials have been targeted.
"Another referee was allegedly threatened and assaulted at a lower-league game prior to Christmas. These incidents are isolated but they are unacceptable and extremely concerning when they occur.
"Our match officials make hundreds of decisions each game. They take huge pride in their work but it is inevitable and accepted that some of their decisions will be viewed differently and debated by others.
"When differences of opinion, however, manifest as threats to our officials or their families, a line has been crossed.
"Match officials are a vital part of the game and they work exceptionally hard to maintain high standards.
"As we look forward to 2019, I call on everyone involved in Scottish football, from the public parks to the international stage, to respect our match officials."
Police said: "We can confirm that a complaint has been made to police regarding texts and calls received by a 36-year-old man.
"Police inquiries are ongoing into this matter."
Shocked ref Calum Scott, 29, was threatened then assaulted after sending off two players during a Junior match (Image: UGC)
Cambuslang Rangers manager "to take time away" from club after weekend shame game
Last month referee Calum Scott, who is a policeman, was allegedly attacked after a junior game between Cambuslang Rangers and Glenafton Athletic.
Cambuslang boss Paul McColl was given a probationary suspension as investigations continue into the abandoned clash at Glenafton.
Another former Grade One referee, Steve Conroy, also backed calls for more protection for referees.
Conroy, who retired in 2012, said: "The clubs must also take responsibility for what the fans do before, after and during games. You should not have to alter your behaviour for the rest of the week and worry about going out with your family because you are a referee and you have just taken charge of a game."
Cambuslang Rangers Paul McColl was hit with probationary suspension (Image: Robert Perry)
Conroy would also like to see more protection for referees and officials by police and stewards to combat increasing attacks at football grounds.
He cited the game between Livingston and Rangers at Almondvale in October, when assistant referee Calum Spence was hit by a coin. He also pointed to the game between Hearts and Hibs at Tynecastle, also in October, when objects were thrown at officials and Hibs boss Neil Lennon was decked by a coin thrown by a fan.
Conroy added: "You have a lot more of that sort of thing going on at games than when I was refereeing.
"In what other place of work in Scotland would you put up with being verbally and physically abused in this way?
"But that is what referees are putting up with all the time."
Photos which appeared to show Beaton drinking in a pub known to be a favourite with Rangers fans hours after the Old Firm game were circulating last week.
It was claimed Beaton went to the pub after the match but it's not known if there was any substance to the claim.
He refused to comment on the images.
The SFA also refused to comment.