Brendan Rodgers has weighed in on the departure of Alan Muir from his role as a full-time VAR official, following a string of controversial decisions this season — notably ones that directly affected Celtic.
Speaking to the media on Friday ahead of the visit from Kilmarnock on Saturday, Rodgers offered a balanced take on the situation, acknowledging the difficulty of the job but also the inevitable consequences of repeated mistakes.
Asked about Muir departing from his duties today, Celtic boss Rodgers said on Celtic TV, “We all make mistakes, absolutely. I’m not sure whether that was Alan’s decision or however it’s come about. I think we’re all in work, we’re all on the job and if we don’t do it quite to the level, we’ll all be moved on.
“There are very few jobs you go into and work where you won’t lose your job. But I always think up here, so long as the referees are getting the support, the help, the education to develop, if it’s consistent mistakes over long periods of time and you’re giving evidence to people that you’re not quite seeing the game, then naturally you’re not going to be in the position.
“It’s a really difficult job and ask for the guys, but like I said, if you’re making mistakes and you’re not quite seeing things consistently, then that’s maybe what can happen.
“I’m sure he’ll feel free to just enjoy his life now, Alan, and he can walk into the supermarket and have no problems, I’m sure. It’s education, it’s learning, it’s development and we all know we’ll make mistakes.”
While Rodgers was diplomatic, the message was clear: standards must be higher and he’s right with that.
Muir’s tenure as a VAR this season was marred by major calls against Celtic, notably disallowed goals against Motherwell and Hibs, both later deemed incorrect by the SFA’s Key Match Incident Panel.
There was also an incident at Hampden when he failed to instruct John Beaton that Rangers should have had a penalty, with the ref awarding a free kick for Cerny on the edge of the box.
You never want to see a guy lose his job, but the change had to be made after numerous mistakes against multiple teams.
Willie Collum is showing some leadership since taking over in his position, and isn’t willing to accept low standards, which should please all football fans.
