Our Refs Will Walk, Says Stuart Dougal

Mar 2 2008 Scott Mcdermott

High Level Of Abuse Is Driving The Best Guys Out The Game Stuart Dougal Exclusive

STUART DOUGAL admits some of Scotland's top referees could quit the game if they continue to be abused during the SPL title run-in.

Our men in black have come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks with their integrity being called into question.

Grade One whistler Alan Freeland had to be backed by the SFA after St Mirren complained about him taking charge of a Scottish Cup tie with Dundee United.

Mike McCurry and Eddie Smith also faced fierce criticism from fans and pundits after crucial decisions in matches involving Rangers and Celtic.

Dougal - who will be in the middle for one of the title-deciding Old Firm derbies later this term - insists it's time to lay off refs and give them a break.

He urged the critics to be more understanding of the job they do because if the flak gets any worse some of the best young match officials will pack it in.

Stuart said: "If the criticism continues fewer people will want to become referees.

Who is able to take our place? Can the critics and pundits do it? They will say they don't want to be refs and that's fine.

But what about the ones who do?

"There are guys out there who could be good referees but they will wonder if they need this hassle.

"We've had a big problem with retention of refs. It starts at the public parks when parents get carried away and hurl abuse at young officials.

"They expect them to be like Kenny Clark or Hugh Dallas but they're just starting out in the game. And they won't go much further if the abuse continues.

"Without us there's no game. But the decline in the number of refs is frightening - we just can't keep them.

"And the negativity and criticism has certainly played a part. I have a genuine fear that younger Grade One officials could be lost to the game.

"If the pressure and criticism gets too much in the title run-in they might think: 'I don't need this in my life'.

"They are all professionals and successful in other walks of life.

"They're not on a contract so they can walk away at any time.

"They may look at what goes on, say: 'This isn't fun any more' and chuck it.

"If it got to a stage where I thought it was affecting my family or people close to me I'd give it serious consideration."

Dougal and every other top Scottish referee was in Spain last week preparing for what looks destined to be a nail-biting championship race.

Despite being through a similar situation in 2003 and 2005 - when the title was decided on the last day of the season - Stuart claims it's worse this time as every decision is being scrutinised.

He said: "Don't forget what it was like in the last two close run-ins.

"What's different this time is what's being analysed. It used to be: 'Was it a goal or wasn't it?'.

"Now it's: 'Was it a free-kick' or 'Was it a throw-in?'.

"As preparation we went to Spain for a team-building and conditioning exercise that will help us coming into the crucial part of the season.

"The physical training was demanding but we also had a review of the season so far.

"Admittedly we've made mistakes but so has everyone in the game.

"On top of that we had a sports psychologist who made us mentally tough for the challenges ahead - not just in the SPL but in lower leagues too.

"The biggest frustration is the lack of understanding about what it's like to actually be in the middle.

"It's OK watching games and after the third replay saying: 'I told you he got it wrong'. For every decision we get right no-one recognises it. People want to home in on negativity.

"It's an extremely challenging job.

Look at the statistics this season.

"Out of around 1,500 games there have been major contentious decisions in maybe 20 of them.

"Percentage-wise that's not bad. Have there been high-profile mistakes? Of course but it has always been like that.

"Refs weren't perfect 20 years ago.

All we ask for is an even break and we're not getting that right now.

"It's easy to criticise - it's like taking toffee off a wean."

Dougal revealed most players and coaches disagree with the actual laws of the game as opposed to refs themselves.

He admits even the whistlers aren't completely happy with certain rules but says they MUST be adhered to.

Dougal would also like to see players and managers taking responsibility instead of constantly blaming officials.

He said: "Referees don't make up the laws of football. There are aspects of the game that we're as uncomfortable with as players and bosses.

"But being refs we have to apply them the way the SFA, UEFA and FIFA want us to - or we won't be there.

"You might not agree with the 30mph speed limit but you have to adhere to it or face the circumstances.

"I'd love managers and players to take a bit more responsibility without focusing on the referee at every turn.

"Games are lost through players' mistakes but there's a forgiveness for them. People feel sorry for a goalkeeper if he lets in a howler.

"That never happens with referees and I'm dreaming if I think we'll ever get a level playing field on that front."

Dougal laughs when he hears the phrase "conspiracy theory" that still plagues Scottish football. Fans from clubs all over the land believe there's an ulterior motive behind a whistler's decision but Dougal's having none of it.

He said: "The conspiracy theories are a joke. It's barely worthy of discussion.

"But I don't want to shy away from it.

When a ref makes a decision he doesn't even have time to think: 'If I give it this way they could maybe score because they have a certain player in their team'.

"I can't find the words to convince the fans. I've known Grade One refs who have been Old Firm fans, die-hard Hibs fans, dyed in the wool Falkirk fans.

"But I'd take any one of them in a game involving their team because they've gone beyond that.

"What we have in common with fans and pundits is a love for football."

Video technology has been suggested as a cure to football's refereeing ills but Dougal isn't convinced. He cited examples in rugby where a definitive decision still couldn't be made after several replays.

Stuart said: "In theory, technology in football is great. Putting that into practice is near impossible.

"If it's a case of deciding whether a ball is over the line or not, then fine. But what happens if there's a debate on whether it has been punched over?

"We then need to bring in technology for everything. Where do you draw the line? In the Scotland v Wales rugby game recently the TV referee got it wrong.

"With certain decisions it's impossible to tell what's right or wrong. How do you balance it out?

"The great thing about our game is different opinions stimulate debate about football and that's great for our society."