Brigit Adongo
UEFA’s deputy chief refereeing officer, Hugh Dallas, has praised the move by the SPFL clubs to support the use of VAR in the Scottish Premiership next season.
VAR was approved by 41 of the 42 teams, with Morton being the only club to vote against it. Trials are currently taking place at Oriam to bring referees up to speed ahead of its deployment.
According to the Scottish Sun, Dallas praised Tuesday’s vote as a “great day for the Scottish game,” as the SPFL catches up with most other major leagues around the world.
“I genuinely believe, in years to come, people will look back and say, ‘You used to play games without VAR in Scotland? Seriously?’
“Tuesday was a great day for the Scottish game.
“The clubs have brought us in line with the top nations in Europe and across the world.
“It’s a vital step in the game’s evolution and the SFA and SPFL deserve credit.
“They’ve taken their time and they’ve seen issues in some countries over its implementation.
“Referees have worked hard behind the scenes.
“Exercises have been done at youth levels on one pitch with six cameras, which I heard went very well.
“There have been simulated incidents where referees have been encouraged to look at monitors and the TV operators have to produce the correct images and angles for them.”
The SPFL,must add a farcical touch to the whole situation by implementing VAR in the middle of next season despite the fact that clubs have now voted in favor of it.
Gers have long supported VAR and have plenty of familiarity with it, having used it frequently in the Europa League’s latter stages.
There will undoubtedly be much complaining about VAR when it is finally implemented in Scotland, but there can be no doubt that it represents a significant step forward for Scottish football.
