Kris Boyd fears Scotland's referees could stage strike action if abuse continues as he tells Ross Wilson it is the right time to leave Rangers.
Police Scotland are investigating the abusive and threatening messages sent to referee Kevin Clancy following Saturday's Old Firm.
The messages, which were condemned by the Scottish Football Association (SFA) and Rangers, were referred to Police Scotland after the personal and professional contact details of Clancy, who took charge at Celtic Park, were published online after the match.
The messages came after the game which saw Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos' goal disallowed for a push on Celtic defender Alistair Johnston.
Rangers lost the game 3-2 and are now 12 points behind Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic, with seven games to go.
Boyd, who was at Saturday's game for Sky Sports, believes it could lead to drastic measures.
Boyd: Referees could walk out
As someone trying to do their job, it doesn't matter if they do it good or bad, you can't have your personal stuff online.
It's a disgrace. As someone who is refereeing part-time, as it is in Scotland, he's also got a job to go to during the week and put up with the flak that he gets there as well.
We've already seen our best referee for a number of years, Bobby Madden, walk away from the Scottish leagues.
There have been a few others involved in incidents now from fans and it's not good enough, it has to stop.
You get the feeling that if the referees were to come together you wouldn't be surprised if they're on the verge of a strike because it can't continue.
Why would you want to jeopardise your own life to referee a game of football?
People will say you get paid handsomely, forget that. Your life is more important. You're a human being, you'll make mistakes the exact some way players and managers make mistakes.
You don't see people going and chapping their doors. The way referees are treated is an absolute disgrace.
It could be the right time for Ross Wilson to leave Rangers
Rangers fans calling for sporting director Ross Wilson to leave could soon get their wish with the sporting director linked with a move to Nottingham Forest.
There were thousands of flags unfurled at last month's game against Motherwell demanding Wilson be sacked along with managing director Stewart Robertson.
There is no doubt Rangers' recruitment over the last few years hasn't been good enough, there's no getting away from it.
You don't like to see fans turning on the board but they are paying their money, they're turning up and they want better.
If the opportunity comes for Ross Wilson to a massive club in Nottingham Forrest you would feel as if it would be too good an opportunity for him to turn down.
It hasn't been all bad at Rangers, there have been some good things, but once the fans start to voice their opinion at the level they have recently it's only going to end one way.
If there is a chance for Ross Wilson to maybe get out it could be best for all parties.