Scottish referees are reportedly interested in bringing VAR to Scotland, according to the Daily Record.
The referees are apparently set to meet in Edinburgh fallowing the fallout of the Glasgow Derby at Ibrox.
John Beaton missed a trio of lash-outs from Rangers’ Alfredo Morelos. It’s generally accepted that the Colombian should’ve been red carded on all three occasions. Beaton, however, seen all three incidents and failed to act.
Referees are set to meet at the Oriam for a training day. This comes after their trip to Spain in mid-Winter was scrapped. The SFA have instead decided that they’re going to use that money to promote young referees.
The most noteworthy section of the report, however, is that VAR is something the refs are keen to push through.
The concept was a huge hit at last year’s World Cup in Russia. It’s also cleared up many controversial incidents in England this season. The MLS also have it in use now, and it’s been a game-changer for football.
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VAR would’ve had Alfredo Morelos sent off
VAR would’ve seen Morelos sent off. It would’ve also given Leigh Griffiths a penalty when he was swiped by Clint Hill during a Parkhead match back in 2017. Despite Celtic’s failure to look remotely competent at Ibrox, VAR probably would’ve helped them get something from the game.
The major worry here is cost. Every club in Scotland would likely have to put something towards introducing the technology. Many, however, would want to use their cash for more pressing matters important to their individual clubs.
It will be interesting to see what impact a strong refereeing stance on the matter has. If it’s something they feel is becoming more and more essential to how they operate, the SFA has to listen.
VAR would help clear up so many of the controversial decisions that plague Scottish football. It would release some pressure on the referees, and would ultimately lead to correct decisions being made. To sum up – it’s something that Scottish football has to invest in.
The refs in Scotland aren’t considering strike action apparently, but instead want to push for VAR. From a Celtic perspective, it’s hard to disagree with that.