Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell has insisted VAR is working despite the moans and groans of managers, players, supporters and pundits across the country.
The SFA introduced the technology earlier this year but its roll-out hasn’t exactly gone smoothly. Celtic know that all too well but most other clubs in the Scottish Premiership have had legitimate grievances too. For Maxwell, it’s all simply ‘teething problems’ – an excuse that is starting to wear thin.
He told STV: “The technology is working, there’s no doubt about that. Refereeing has always been controversial. There is always subjectivity around decisions and that’s continuing. We’re not saying it has been perfect to date, and we’re obviously working as hard as we can to try and improve that.
“I think it’s worth recognising that we’re only five or six months into VAR and there are countries that have had it a lot longer than us that are still seeing issues. We want it to be as smooth and straightforward as possible and we’re working hard as we can to achieve that.
“There obviously have been teething problems but that’s part of the implementation and part of a bedding-in process. We want to ensure that as many decisions are being made on the pitch as we can.”
Refereeing team for Celtic vs Rangers confirmed
It comes as the SFA also confirmed their refereeing team for this weekend’s derby at Celtic Park.
Kevin Clancy has been trusted as the man in the middle, aided by David McGeachie and Ross Macleod as his assistants. John Beaton will be the fourth official with Nick Walsh and Daniel McFarlane on VAR duties at Clydesdale House.
Walsh handled the recent Scottish League Cup final between the two clubs as referee relatively well but the SFA don’t usually give derby assignments out to the same people in quick succession.
We can only hope no-one is discussing any officiating controversy in the wake of this one.
In other news, Jota left buzzing for Alexandro Bernabei and reveals why Celtic subs will always deliver big.
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