VAR’s Scottish Introduction is inevitable, according to Scots players
With Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers facing VAR for the first time in Thursday nights’ Europa League clashes, the question for the introduction of the system up north has resurfaced.
Players and managers from the respective sides have had their fair share of words when it comes to discussing VAR’s impact, with the consensus being more negative than positive.
Celtic’s young full-back Jeremie Frimpong has shared that he believes VAR ‘ruins the game’ and that the modern technology is taking the enjoyment out of the game along with the goals scored in it.
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has also given his two cents on the matter as he has revealed that his side must be ‘very disciplined’ when it comes to playing in the Europa League. The gaffer has re-iterated to his players that their behaviour will be heavily monitored in their campaign.
The argument for the introduction of VAR technology in Scottish football is one full of controversy, quite like the system itself. Both sides of the argument are logical and are full of great points, but the verdict is still up in the air.
Clubs in the Scottish leagues are apparently ‘set for VAR vote’ soon and it looks as if the system is wanted by teams in the SPFL. A summit was held earlier this year where coaches aired their grievances and agreed to make progress, with a unanimous backing for the introduction of VAR.
The league has been host to some bad decisions as of late. Most recently, Inverness player, James Keatings, was sent off for diving but it was clear that he had not done so. However, if VAR was in place, then surely the Caley striker would have stayed on the pitch.
In December’s Old Firm matchup there was more controversy as Celtic’s leading man Odsonne Edouard grabbed a dramatic equaliser against rival team Rangers. The only problem though, was that the goal was scored with his hand, and it’s clear that the goal should have been disallowed.
In the Europa League, Celtic might not be as lucky as they were back in December.
But, as it stands for VAR’s emergence into the Scottish game, it’s clear that it will inevitably happen. However, it still remains to be seen if this will come sooner or later.
