SCOTLAND'S top-flight referees are set to call for police protection against the aggression of managers and players.

SCOTLAND'S top-flight referees are set to call for police protection against the aggression of managers and players.

Officials believe they have been left with no choice as verbal abuse incidents have escalated - and the fear among them is that sooner or later it will turn to physical abuse.

One referee, Colin Brown, has already pressed charges against a player from Berwick Rangers and similar action is being considered at SPL level.

The SFA, through Drew Herbertson, asked Brown to reconsider his action but the official, a lawyer by trade, decided against withdrawing charges against Berwick's Gary Greenhill.

His fellow refs hope this action will be perceived as solid evidence they are not prepared to be on the end of the aggression from players and coaches.

Stuart Dougal, chairman of the Scottish Senior Football Referees' Association, said: "I can't talk about this specific case because it is a legal matter, but I can talk in general terms.

"Over the last four weeks I personally have watched on four occasions when referees have been confronted and harangued by coaches and players.

"As soon as a player, coach or anyone else starts manhandling referees or assistants I believe we will see more officials willing to take the same action as Colin.

"He felt the incident ticked all the boxes required for him to do what he did. He has the full support of the association and every official with whom I have spoken.

"And as a group we have spoken a lot about what we should do to protect ourselves. Personal safety at all levels, including amateur and junior, has to be paramount.

"We make mistakes but the referee and what he is trying to do during a match should be sacrosanct."