Celtic are back in competitive action after a long summer, though there are always developments above the surface in Scottish football that affect the wider landscape of the game.
Love it or loath it, refereeing is always a big talking point in this country. The introduction of VAR in the Scottish Premiership has only amplified the scrutiny of decisions rather than quelled them.
Earlier in the summer, Willie Collum was appointed the SFA’s new Head of Referees, and is charged with improving the standard of officiating across the board in Scotland.
Earmarking some early priorities, the 45-year-old called for more common sense to be applied to the handball rule alongside a higher bar of intervention for VAR.
Now, he has made a key appointment on that front likely to make headlines due to the individual’s association with the Premier League.
Jon Moss appointed SFA VAR Manager
In a first, Collum has moved to install former PMGOL elite referee manager and Premier League official John Moss as the SFA’s inaugural VAR manager [Scottish FA].
Representing a landmark capture, the 53-year-old is set to handle ‘ VAR training, implementation, appointment and performance review’ among other duties in the specialist role.
Speaking after being hired, Moss said: “I’m really excited to work with Willie and the team to evolve the implementation of VAR in Scottish football. In our conversations, we agreed on the importance of the fundamentals of VAR: clarity, communication and transparency.
“We went through a similar process around the introduction of VAR in England – I was the referee in the first ever game that VAR intervened in the country – so I’ve seen first-hand what has worked and what needed to change, both as a referee and in my role within PGMOL.
“I look forward to working with the referees and the team at the Scottish FA to continue to improve how VAR is operated within Scottish football.”
Willie Collum opens up on Jon Moss hire
Collum also spoke about Moss arriving in Scotland, stating per the same outlet: “I am delighted to welcome Jon, who has significant and varied experience in using technology as a referee, working as a VAR operator and also serving behind the scenes as a manager of elite officials.
“I believe his experience will benefit not only our current VARs and AVARs, but also the next generation who will need to become proficient in the use of the technology as we continue to improve its usage. I am confident that Jon’s appointment will help us on our journey towards making VAR more efficient and less intrusive in Scottish football.”
Ultimately, as Celtic fans, all we want to see is efficiency and consistency in decision-making across the board. Supporters from around the country will agree with that sentiment regardless of affiliation.
If Moss can help develop VAR’s operational accuracy, everyone wins; there isn’t really anything else to say on that front.
He comes in with a big reputation and experience in controlling matches at the highest level. It will be intriguing to see how he fares on Scottish shores.
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