The group representing Scotland’s top officials say they stand by their statement criticising the “lenient” punishment handed to Dundee United striker Nadir Ciftci.
But the Scottish Senior Football Referees Association say they have not discussed plans to strike following the controversy.
Dutch frontman Ciftci was handed a two-match ban with one suspended until the end of the season after he was found guilty of manhandling assistant referee Gavin Harris during October’s clash with Inverness.
The SSFRA claimed the light punishment sent out the “wrong message” to Scotland’s footballers but the Scottish Football Association responded by criticising the group for going public with their concerns.
Now after talks with Hampden chiefs, the referee’s union are sticking to their guns.
In a statement, it said: “The Scottish Senior Football Referees Association can confirm that it has received the Judicial Panel’s explanation from the Scottish FA.
“Having considered the explanation the SSFRA stands by its original statement. We now look forward to working positively with the Scottish FA to identify a solution which is satisfactory to all parties and ensures that referees are protected throughout the game, particularly at grassroots level.”
Ciftci was originally threatened with a 10-match ban after he was accused of “seizing” Harris by the throat. However, the charge was later reduced to “placing an open hand into the lower area of the assistant referee’s throat” as he was given a lighter sentence.
The row has opened up fresh divisions with the match officials and the SFA following the 2010 strike action which came amid claims their safety was being put at risk.
However, the union insists it has no plans to repeat that drastic step.
The statement added: “The SSFRA wishes to make it clear that it has not considered any form of industrial action.”
United coach Darren Jackson has received a censure after being found guilty of behaving in an irresponsible manner in the same match.
Jackson was charged by the SFA with “misconduct at a match by failing to behave in a responsible manner as an occupant of the technical area by leaving the technical area in the absence of special circumstances and by acting in an aggressive manner towards players of the opposing team”.
But it was determined Jackson would not receive a heavy punishment for his actions.
The SFA said in a statement: “The panel found Mr Jackson in breach of the above charge and issued a censure.”
The flashpoint followed a clash between Inverness captain Richie Foran and United winger Gary Mackay-Steven.
Jackson and the then Inverness manager Terry Butcher now in charge of Hibernian were sent to the stand following the on-field melee which also saw Ciftci sent off.