The use of a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has become common in UEFA competitions over the last few years, especially in the knockout rounds of their tournaments.
However, tonight, it will not be in use at Celtic Park. That’s because UEFA has decided it should only be used in the final.
Article 50.03 of the UEFA Europa Conference League regulations states: “In principle, VARs may only be used in the final. However, UEFA may decide to use VARs in other matches as well, or not to use VARs in the final. Should it prove necessary for whatever reason, matches may start and/or finish without the use of VARs, and any failure, unavailability, use or non-use of the VAR technology will in no way prejudice the validity of the referee’s decisions, with such decisions being final in all cases.”
Although UEFA has the discretion to introduce it into later rounds, before the final, it won’t be used when Celtic play against Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt.
VAR has become a bit of a love/hate mechanism in football. Some supporters absolutely hate it, especially its implementation in the English Premier League. Others think it is a step forward football has had to take.
I have to say, I haven’t taken much issue with the way UEFA have used it in the past. It seems to work more efficiently than in England.
Anything that helps referees make the right call gets a thumbs up in my book.
Tonight’s officiating team is from Latvia, led by Andris Treimanis. He’s taken charge of 84 UEFA matches previously so has plenty of experience.
This season he refereed Bayer Leverkusen vs Ferencvaros and St Johnstone vs Galatasaray, amongst others.
Here’s hoping he has a quiet night and lets the football take centre stage!
In other news, Celtic boss explains Mikey Johnston’s injury problem in promising update.
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