The debate around VAR often centres on the mistakes it makes. The Tim Ream incident at the World Cup was a reminder of what football technology can get right and it won’t be lost on Celtic fans.
Ream was initially booked after an incident involving Miguel Almiron. Following a VAR review, the yellow card was rescinded and instead shown to Almiron for simulation.
It was a straightforward correction of an obvious error, and it strengthened the argument that FIFA should continue exploring challenge-based review systems.
VAR in Scottish football: incompetent refs, bad technology or both?
Celtic supporters saw technology work as intended
Football fans regularly complain when VAR gets things wrong, but the Ream decision showed its value when used effectively.
Rather than allowing an incorrect booking to stand, officials were able to identify exactly what had happened and punish the correct player. That is ultimately what supporters want. The focus should always be on reaching the right outcome.
Celtic defender Auston Trusty was an unused substitute in the match, giving supporters an extra reason to pay attention to an incident that quickly attracted attention across the game.
Celtic should take interest in FIFA’s challenge-based plans
FIFA’s Football Video Support system remains in testing and would allow coaches two challenges per match. Unlike traditional VAR, reviews are triggered by managers rather than continuous monitoring from video officials.
That approach will not solve every problem, but it does introduce another route for obvious mistakes to be corrected.
FIFA has already shown a willingness to reform football’s rules when existing systems stop working. Its continued experimentation with officiating technology suggests the governing body is no longer afraid to challenge the status quo.
Celtic fans have every reason to welcome further experimentation
No review system will ever be perfect. However, the Ream incident demonstrated that football now has tools capable of correcting mistakes that previously would have stood.
That is why Celtic supporters should keep an open mind about FIFA’s alternative review proposals. If technology can help referees reach more accurate decisions, there is little sense in refusing to explore new ways of using it.
The Ream decision may have been a small moment in a World Cup match, but it strengthened the case for FIFA’s ongoing efforts to improve how the game is officiated.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
