VAR Errors Double as SFA Close Down Any Transparency

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Technology was heralded as a breakthrough to enhance fairness in Football by eliminating human errors during matches. However, the recent statistics from the Scottish FA Referee Operations paint a complex picture. The figures revealed are stirring deep-seated concerns about the Technology’s current role in the Game.

Notably, the report indicates that mistakes in VAR decisions have doubled since the previous review. For a club like Celtic, where every match they play right now is pivotal, these errors can have significant repercussions.

Further compounding the frustration is the opaque nature of the VAR review process. The specific incidents that led to reviews remain undisclosed to the public. This secrecy does little to foster trust or understanding among Scottish football supporters.

Across Europe, the sentiment echoes with increasing volume; fans are not happy. The promise of technology improving the game feels hollow when contrasted with the reality of inconsistent and confusing VAR calls. Each controversial decision fuels a narrative that VAR is not just a flawed system, but one ill-suited to the fluid, fast-moving nature of football.

The essence of football, for many, lies in its uninterrupted flow and human elements—factors that VAR was meant to respect, not hinder.

It is crucial for the Scottish FA and global Football governing bodies to consider these criticisms seriously. Solutions must be sought not only in the Technology itself but in how its use is communicated and refined. VAR was rushed through in Scotland because the SFA wanted to make sure their referees could still be chosen for international Games including tournaments. Despite that, there will not be one Scottish official at this summer’s Euros.

Have we passed a critical moment yet where VAR and its implementation should be up for debate or are the governing bodies of the game going to forge ahead regardless?