Red Devil
Sep 23 2002, 09:15 PM
GLASGOW (Reuters) - Scottish football referees have confirmed what fans have always suspected -- they need glasses to help them do their job.
The nation's match officials announced a sponsorship deal with leading British opticians Specsavers in an agreement that will cause chuckles throughout Scottish stadiums.
The contract, worth 750,000 pounds ($1.17 million) to the Scottish Football Association (SFA), will assist the coaching and development of the country's match officials.
The sponsor's name will be displayed on the shirts of the officials.
Scotland's most prominent referee Hugh Dallas, the fourth official at this year's World Cup final between Brazil and Germany, welcomed the deal.
"This is excellent news for Scottish refereeing," he said.
"The money will enable us to provide the very best of materials for the training of up-and-coming referees across the country and ensure that our reputation in the world of football is maintained in the years ahead."
Welsh rugby referees recently concluded a similar four-year contract with the company.
Placards carrying the message 'Get your blinking eyes tested, ref' will be distributed by Specsavers to fans at matches in Wales in the coming season.
The nation's match officials announced a sponsorship deal with leading British opticians Specsavers in an agreement that will cause chuckles throughout Scottish stadiums.
The contract, worth 750,000 pounds ($1.17 million) to the Scottish Football Association (SFA), will assist the coaching and development of the country's match officials.
The sponsor's name will be displayed on the shirts of the officials.
Scotland's most prominent referee Hugh Dallas, the fourth official at this year's World Cup final between Brazil and Germany, welcomed the deal.
"This is excellent news for Scottish refereeing," he said.
"The money will enable us to provide the very best of materials for the training of up-and-coming referees across the country and ensure that our reputation in the world of football is maintained in the years ahead."
Welsh rugby referees recently concluded a similar four-year contract with the company.
Placards carrying the message 'Get your blinking eyes tested, ref' will be distributed by Specsavers to fans at matches in Wales in the coming season.