Refs in strike threat

Referees across Europe could go on strike in protest at the death threats directed at Swedish official Anders Frisk, it emerged today.

Volker Roth, the chairman of UEFA's referees committee who yesterday called Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho an "enemy of football", said officials were determined to make a stand after Frisk quit amid safety fears for his family.

Mourinho has been criticised for inciting the threats by questioning Frisk's performance after the first leg of Chelsea's Champions League clash with Barcelona.

Today Roth put fresh pressure on Chelsea by hinting he was considering calling a Europe-wide referee strike.

He said: "We cannot stand idly by and do nothing. I am not a great friend of strikes but we will have to think about what to do. There will be a solidarity among the referees that has never been seen before.

"Like coaches and players, referees make mistakes. But this should not lead to referees being abused and threatened. When things escalate it can lead to over-reactions and then even the best referees in the world can suddenly pack it all in."