Scottish football faces a potential shutdown next weekend after the country’s leading referees voted to refuse appointments.
It is understood that referees took the decision at a meeting today after becoming disillusioned with attacks on their integrity and personal values from some clubs and individuals.
Referees have become increasingly concerned about their safety in the wake of the criticism.
The Scottish Football Association have yet to comment on the shock development, which comes after weeks of controversy surrounding match officials.
Celtic chairman John Reid reignited the debate on Thursday when he called for Dougie McDonald to quit or be removed by the SFA following his admission that he had misled Parkhead manager Neil Lennon over a rescinded penalty.
McDonald was warned by the SFA referees’ committee over his failure to give an accurate report of the circumstances surrounding his decision in Celtic’s 2-1 win over Dundee United last month.
Lennon has been particularly vociferous in his criticism of officials and faces possible SFA action over comments made after defeats by Rangers and Hearts.