PORTUGUESE referees threatened yesterday to go on strike next month if football clubs, coaches and players continue to complain excessively about their performances.

Plans to strike this weekend were called off yesterday morning after 19 of the 22 officials assigned planned to take industrial action and the referees filed a request for leave instead within the required 20 days.

The referees also want  of actions to reinforce punishment for those who break ethical and disciplinary regulations that are in place to protect officials.

The Portuguese Association of Football Referees released a statement saying it will not tolerate any more “insinuations” about referees trying to benefit certain clubs or taking part in corruption schemes.

The strike threat follows widespread complaints and criticism by clubs following refereeing mistakes in the league’s top division.

The association said the strike would take effect in the weekend of December 15.