The lack of VAR in Scotland has been an issue with football fans here for a while, but could we soon be one step closer?
According to the Scotsman, Scotland’s leading referees will miss out on European and international games because they haven’t been using VAR.
Scotland’s top officials at the moment are Willie Collum and Bobby Madden (yep). The Scotsman states that they will be excluded from Champions League and Europa League matches as well as missing out on Euro 2020 next year.
Former top-flight whistler Charlie Richmond stated in the Scotsman that Scotland is currently lagging well behind the rest of Europe.
“If we don’t get in line and start using the VAR system in Scotland then you won’t see our guys going abroad. That was evident when Bobby Madden went to do his Champions League match recently between Bayern and Red Star.
“The VAR officials were flown in from Holland because it’s only Bobby and Willie Collum that are trained in VAR. It was the same again when Willie covered Juventus against Bayer Leverkusen – the VAR officials came from Spain.
“When it comes to the more important games, our referees will miss out because UEFA will insist on a full team of six who work together. I can’t see our guys getting matches. It will be the same at the European Championships next year.”
Becoming a Scottish football referee just got even more unglamorous
This is a huge blow for the SFA. Not only are they not going to be represented on the main stage – it doesn’t do much for young up-and-coming whistlers either.
Why would you want to become a referee in Scotland? After all, if you can’t go to international tournaments or European events, the gloss surely comes off? This is a huge dagger into the heart of Scottish football’s referees.
And now all eyes are on the SFA and SPFL. Getting clubs around the table again could now be a crucial next step in bringing VAR to Scotland. SFA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell had apparently already held talks with IFAB about introducing VAR here (Daily Mail). But those reports came back in January, with no real update since.
VAR is used in the top nations such as England, Spain, and Germany to name a few. However, the likes of Holland, Portugal, Turkey, and even cash-stricken Greece are using versions of it.
The idea that we can’t find a system that’s affordable for Scottish football is ridiculous. The authorities are going to have to find the money from somewhere. It will bring a better product and maybe even less furor over decisions in Scotland.
But, even more enticing for the SFA, it’ll help encourage youngsters to sign up to learn the trade of refereeing.
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