Scotland’s amateur football regulator is poised to intervene in a referees’ dispute in the Western Isles.

An apparent boycott by officials involving a Lewis team may lead to action by the Scottish Amateur Football Association.

The local football season has been marred by the continuing controversy between referees and Lochs football club.

It appears that some match officials have pressing matters elsewhere when Lochs are due to play matches.

On Monday night, the club’s game against Point was postponed after no one was available to officiate.

The dispute centres around Lochs star player David Macmillan, who has been criticised by some referees who allege he has been abusive to off-duty officials.

A court appearance by Macmillan, where he was ordered to pay compensation to a former match official, does not seem to be part of the issue.

It is understood that Lochs have raised concerns with the SAFA over the issue.

The financial costs of any intervention may be passed on to the losing side of the dispute.

National secretary Hugh Knapp said the matter is “sensitive”.

He said: “We are taking whatever steps to resolve the matter — if that involves a visit to the Lewis and Harris Football Association then that will be included.

“Referees are registered with the Scottish Football Association. They are not under my jurisdiction. If we have a problem with referees then we can report the matter to the SFA.”

Kenny Maciver, chairman of the Lewis and Harris Football Association, acknowledged the “ongoing issue”.

He stressed: “We would like to try and resolve this locally.

“I am willing to talk to anyone at any time to try and find a conclusion to the matter.”

Mr Maciver declined to comment on the postponement of the last Lochs match.

Copyright 2008 Press & Journal. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission.

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