Collum urges caution over referees’ mental health

Willie Collum, Scotland’s new head of referees, has warned the level of criticism directed at match officials can affect their mental health.

He has however stressed that he has a “very good relationship with the Premiership clubs” despite Rangers saying at one point last season they did not want the 45-year-old to officiate their matches.

Collum has this week had briefings with groups from the media and top-flight managers, including Rangers’ Philippe Clement.

“He [Clement] brought good ideas to the table at that Premiership managers’ meeting about refereeing and VAR,” he told BBC Radio Scotland’s Sportsound.

“I also understand that emotions run high in football and people say things and make statements and it is part and parcel of the game. I have built up a resilience and there will be more for me to come in this role.”

Collum accepts that his referees will continue to be criticised for some decisions.

However, he added: “When it starts to affect your personal life. When it starts to affect your family. When, dare I say it, it starts to affect your mental health, that’s where we need to be very careful.

“Because we talk quite openly about mental health in sport and referees are involved in sport – and at a very high level – and we have to be very careful about how we treat people.

“Everybody in football gets criticised, but when it goes beyond the acceptable level, that’s when it’s a worry for us.”

It is part of the reason Scottish referees will this season adopt the system used at Euro 2024, where action was taken against grouping around match officials by players.

“We have a responsibility to protect the image of the game,” Collum said. “We want to encourage people into refereeing. We want to retain people in refereeing.

“I just hope that people understand that as referees we are trying our level best.”

Collum admits his new role presents “a huge challenge” but says “it’s been really enjoyable so far” and that he has been pleased with the reception he has received from clubs, managers and players.

“I had my fair share of criticism as a referee, some deserved, some not in my opinion,” he added. “But I think everybody knew I had a passion for it – my commitment, my dedication – and I’ll bring that to this role.

“I love Scottish football, I love football generally, it is my passion and I’ll do everything I can to not only improve refereeing but Scottish football in general.”