VAR is the one constant in Scottish football that annoys the life out of Celtic supporters.
The video technology was supposed to minimise refereeing errors with the use of film, but as Celtic supporters have witnessed, VAR is causing more problems than it appears to solve.
Colby Donovan is the latest Celtic player to be caught up in VAR controversy as the young fullback’s tackle on Jordan Obita gets scrutinised to the nth degree.
Strangely though, when Celtic star Arne Engels was kicked in the head at Hibs, the outcry from that has been strangely muted considering the absolute meltdown that ensued after Auston Trusty’s assault on Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland.
And now, it appears that FIFA is set to introduce yet more big VAR changes at the 2026 World Cup and it is guaranteed to cause more controversy for Celtic and Scottish football.
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Celtic could be braced for two big VAR changes as FIFA introduce World Cup change
VAR appears to be a complicated concept in Scotland, especially where Celtic are involved and it looks like it’s about to get even more confusing after the 2026 World Cup.
The BBC reports that FIFA is set to make two changes where VAR can intervene on the field of play:
- 1. Incorrectly shown yellow cards
- 2. Determine the award of corners
The second option was previously widely rejected by clubs but it appears that the global association is going to press ahead anyway and it seems a trial could be introduced for the big summer tournament.
A meeting organised by IFAB in January will determine whether or not that trial will, in fact, go ahead.
The VAR controversies involving Celtic as FIFA plan big changes
VAR has not been without its controversies since the technology was introduced to Scotland and Celtic back in October 2022.
Celtic’s first rumble with VAR was, ironically, against Hearts when a clear handball was missed despite the officials being able to review the incident over and over again.
As FIFA prepare to introduce two big VAR rule changes, should Scotland still continue with the controversial technology?
Since then, handball has been the bane of Celtic’s life as unfair penalties like Liam Scales’ in the Bhoys’ win against Hibs are still being awarded, despite guidance being adapted to stop decisions like this being given.
These two new rules are certain to cause more issues in Scotland if the trials are successful and they are introduced.
After all, it’s three years since VAR was inducted into Scottish football and the same problems are still rumbling on.
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