Argentina's top referees "have called a strike from Thursday to demand better security for officials at matches," jeopardizing the country's weekend football program, according to the AFP. The referees union (SADRA) called the strike after a referee "was attacked by players and supporters following a pitch invasion" during a lower-division match on Sunday. SADRA Secretary General Guillermo Marconi said, "The executive committee has decided on a work stoppage across the entire country this weekend." A second union which also represents referees, the AAA, said that it is considering a "strong response" to the violence "but has yet to come out in support of the strike" (AFP, 12/6). The Scotland DAILY RECORD reported referee Claudio Elichiri "suffered a sickening, brutal assault as he officiated a lower-league match in Argentina between Sarmiento and Sansinena." The home side's players "grew increasingly angry after Elichiri failed to award them a penalty, with their fury first manifesting itself in chasing the referee before fans joined in by attacking him with sticks." Armed police "stormed on to the pitch but could not prevent the whistler being assaulted," with Elichiri suffering cuts on his cheekbone and bruises all over his body. He said, "I was pounded with sticks. I cannot even lift my lips" (DAILY RECORD, 12/6).
