SFA embarrassed by referee indictment that won’t surprise Celtic fans one bit

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Celtic fans won’t be surprised to hear that the SFA referees have been on the international stage.

Scotland is a country where referees face more scrutiny than in most, not least when it comes to big games at Celtic Park and Ibrox.

But there’s no doubt that said scrutiny is justified, considering some of the howlers made by officials – both on-field and VAR – in recent years.

Friday’s news exemplifies this.

SFA embarrassed by FIFA official list for World Cup

FIFA’s official list for this summer’s World Cup officials includes 170 in total, the largest and most comprehensive in the tournament’s history.

Not one Scottish official is named.

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Referees from Mauritania, El Salvador and New Zealand will be there, but none from Scottish football whatsoever.

Of over 1000 referees at all levels in Scotland, 24 are recognised by FIFA. However, no major tournament has involved Scottish officials since 2016.

They are selected in a “meticulous three-year selection” by the FIFA referees committee, selecting the “very best in the world” on a “quality-first” principle.

Capability and experience on VAR is also a factor. VAR was first introduced in Scottish football midway through the 2022-23 season.

The SFA’s current head of referees is Willie Collum, who himself officiated at EURO 2016 in France as well as the 2015 UEFA Super Cup.

Speaking about referee scrutiny in last month, Collum told A Level Playing Field Podcast: “It’s painful at times in Scotland.

“Often my wife will say to me, ‘how would you feel if the head of refereeing was coming out and talking about your decisions?’

VAR in Scottish football: incompetent refs, bad technology or both?

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“But sometimes, I just wanted to explain that it’s a mistake. You know?

“Instead of where we are in the west of Scotland where everybody thinks there’s a big scandal or conspiracy behind a mistake, which I think is ridiculous.”

“I’m not so sure[if it will ever change], Allison. It’s a good question. I think it drags us down. I think it’s a scourge on us as a society as well.”