Report: Celtic set to make history as first game involving VAR is revealed

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Celtic’s first game in the Scottish Premiership with the new Video Assistant Referee system has this morning been revealed [Sun Sport].

VAR technology has become well recognised across the globe following its introduction to the game in European competitions, as well as domestic divisions such as the English Premier League.

Celtic have now experienced the use of the technology on several occasions, during their involvement in UEFA Champions League and Europa League group stage matches.

However, whilst it may have been utilised in Europe, there was still no sign of VAR being introduced into the Scottish Premiership.

That was all set to change, though, when clubs from the Premiership and lower divisions in this country voted in favour of the system being introduced into the top flight.

After the resolution passed in April, there has been little talk on an official basis as to when VAR will be brought into place.

Early reports suggested that clubs would have to wait until after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar for the system to be implemented, with Premiership clubs having already played almost half of the league games.

However, that now appears to have been fast-tracked, with fresh reports stating that the date could come as early as the end of October.

And according to Sun Sport, the SFA and SPFL are expected to confirm the details of its introduction in the next 24 hours, which has been backed by the referees in this country.

Celtic’s historic first clash involving VAR revealed.

The first fixture that will make history in Scottish Football by implementing the system is expected to be Hibernian’s Friday night clash against St Johnstone, taking place on Friday 21st of October.

Ange Postecoglou’s side will also be involved in some history of their own that same weekend when they face Hearts at Tynecastle, with that clash set to be the first televised use of the system in Scotland on Saturday 22nd of October.

All four other matches taking place that same day at 3 PM will also have VAR in use.

From that weekend onwards, the technology will be in place as Scottish Football supporters prepare for a new era in the officiating of the sport in this country.

There is no doubt in the minds of supporters of Celtic and clubs across the country that the introduction of this system is bound to cause controversy.

Referees in Scotland are a major talking point on almost a weekly basis, and whilst some may be hopeful, I am not sure VAR will change that.

Fingers crossed, we aren’t the victims of any mistakes during the early stages of the system’s introduction, and Ange Postecoglou’s side can focus on playing their football when we travel to Tynecastle later this month.

In other news, Why it is more important than ever to trust the Ange Postecoglou Celtic process.