Peat launches defence of SPL refs

George Peat said managers go over the top with their criticism of refs

Scottish FA president George Peat has entered the debate over refereeing standards in Scotland, accusing managers of passing the buck.

He claims SPL bosses are being critical of refs in order to avert attention away from their own poor performances.

"The criticism they get is over the top," Peat said.

"The people in the game realise how hard a job it is, but managers criticise referees to deflect their own team's deficiencies."

Several managers have clashed with match officials in Scotland's top-flight this season.

And Peat is concerned that the high-profile criticism could lead to problems with recruiting referees in future.

"Referees are under more pressure because there are more televised matches and close incidents are examined," he said.

"Listen to some of the pundits looking at incidents three or four times and still not making their minds up yet they expect the referee to get it right straight away."