Referees north of the border have voted to go on strike this weekend, with the Scottish Football Association now looking to recruit match officials from elsewhere.

Speaking ahead of Rangers' Champions League game against Manchester United, Weir said: "It's definitely had an effect on the game. In the real world these things happen.

"The Italian players have got a dispute just now and there have been disputes in England in the past.

"It's just the nature of our industry. I don't think the football will be any different.

"But I think it damages the game. We've all got a certain responsibility to the game, to promote it and treat it with a bit of respect.

"But these things happen so why should our industry be any different to anyone else?"

With injuries mounting and the task of juggling domestic duties with European football, Rangers are one of the few teams who may welcome a free weekend.

But not as far as Weir is concerned.

He added: "I think if you asked any player they would rather be in a busy spell of games and playing games.

"If you start having days off and rests then I think it creates more problems.

"Whatever happens tomorrow night, we will be desperate to play again on Sunday. It's a big game, as they all are, and tomorrow is the game we are looking at just now."