Referee Kevin Clancy Receives Potentially Criminal Abuse After Celtic vs Rangers Match
The intense scrutiny that referees face after high-profile matches is nothing new. However, the recent abuse directed towards Kevin Clancy in the wake of Celtic vs Rangers at the weekend has taken things to a new low.
The Scottish FA has confirmed that Clancy received a barrage of abusive messages after his personal and professional contact details were leaked online.
Some of these messages have been deemed “potentially criminal in nature” and have been referred to Police Scotland
Former Ibrox captain Barry Ferguson was quick to condemn the behavior on Go Radio’s Football Show, stating that “those responsible are a disgrace.”
While there may have been some controversial decisions made during the match, the abuse aimed at Kevin Clancy and his family is completely unacceptable.
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Referees are only human and will make mistakes. It’s important to remember that without referees, there is no game. Criticisms of decisions should never go to the extremes where they impact referees’ families and mental health.
SFA condemns abuse against Referee Kevin Clancy
As Scottish FA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell pointed out, “we all have a responsibility to protect our game and those essential to it.”
It’s time for fans and players alike to show respect and gratitude towards referees. They have a difficult job and are constantly under pressure to make split-second decisions.
While it’s understandable to feel frustration towards a decision that goes against your team, venting that frustration in the form of abuse is never acceptable.