Fixtures in Scotland face possible postponement next weekend after Category One referees voted to strike.
Scottish match officials are upset with the avalanche of flak that has come their way this season.
BBC Scotland has learned that officials are concerned that their integrity is constantly being questioned by
ONE club and individuals.
And there are increasing fears among referees over personal safety as a result of public criticism.
The decision to take strike action was reached at a referees' union meeting held on Sunday afternoon, with unanimous backing.
There are six Scottish Premier League games scheduled for next weekend. There is also a full card in the Scottish Football League.
The ALBA Challenge Cup final between Queen of the South and Ross County at McDiarmid Park is under threat, as are any Scottish Cup replays.
"Referees are at the end of their tether, and it's not just how it's impacting on them but it's the impact it's all having on their families and business lives," former referee Kenny Clark told BBC Scotland.
"Businesses in which referees are employed are being targeted by fans sending hate emails to employers saying things like, 'why are you employing this guy?'"
Celtic have voiced concerns about refereeing standards this season and last and BBC Scotland has also learned that the Glasgow club would welcome the strike.
It is understood Celtic hope that it could lead to a wider independent investigation and want Uefa to intervene in what they think is a refereeing crisis.
Paatelainen has sympathy for refs
On Thursday, Celtic chairman John Reid called for the resignation of referee Dougie McDonald, saying "his position is completely untenable" after he was warned by the Scottish Football Association for lying about his reasons for overturning a penalty award.
Here it is.