Brown cannot understand why the country's category one referees voted for a weekend of strike action without airing their concerns with any other group.

Motherwell have been told their Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash against Hearts will go ahead on Sunday after the Scottish Football Association secured pledges from European associations to send replacement officials.

But fresh doubt has been cast on the 11 senior matches not already postponed after the Polish FA reneged on a promise to send three referees.

And Brown believes Scottish football is becoming a laughing stock because of the referees' surprise action, which was decided at a meeting on Sunday.

"I think the referees association has embarrassed football in Scotland by taking this action because surely there another five agencies they should have dealt with before going on strike," the former Scotland manager said.

"They should speak to the managers' union, Alex Smith, you will not get a more decent sensible guy.

"Speak to the players' union if they have a problem with players. Speak to the Scottish Football League, the SPL and the SFA.

"Having had the five agencies round the table and still feeling aggrieved, then go on strike.

"If they have issues with the press, they should speak to the president of the press association.

"Why do this without sitting round the table in a mature, sensible manner?

"What I would say to the referees is grow up please and sit round the table like men and talk to the various people with whom they feel they have a grievance."