Do our refs deserve the respect they crave

Only a fortnight after Scottish refs went on strike as a result of the way they were being treated one of them upsets a large swathe of fans in the Motherwell v Hearts game on Tuesday.

The referee in question was Stevie O’Reilly who baffled fans and players with some of his decisions in the game last night.

While it is widely agreed his decisions did not change the result of the game, which almost everyone in attendance would agree with. He did though get a number of small decisions wrong and quite bizarrely wrong.

A couple stand out, he turned his back as Motherwell were preparing to take a free kick but a Hearts player blocked only two yards away. The ref missed it and then booked Nick Blackman for his protest. The whole thing beggars belief that none of the four officials saw this!

After a Motherwell penalty claim he sent off Steve Jennings for “foul and abusive” language. That was almost excusable but the ball had gone out for a goal kick but the ref started the game with a free kick.

His manner throughout the game was arrogant and aloof as he appeared to treat players like school children.

This performance summed up what is wrong with our refs, and until they are shown to be accountable for their performances. It is about time they were able to explain why they have made decisions they have made.

Sadly until they do that they will be subject to the abuse they receive to date.