Since the arrival of VAR in Scottish football a few weeks ago, the technology has not been without its critics.

Within every league match Celtic have played since the technology has been in operation there has been a penalty awarded in each game apart from the recent Motherwell tie which had its own VAR controversy.

After Livingston’s 2-1 victory over Aberdeen where there were three spot-kicks awarded in the game, the average number of penalties given out in the league has increased to 0.65 per game average which is nearly triple the number of what it was before the technology was introduced [Daily Record]. 

That is an incredible leap in numbers but to purely take Celtic as an example there has been major questions marks around decisions.

In contrasting the spot kick awarded to Dundee United at Celtic Park at the weekend compared to the game at Tynecastle both incidents are very similar. The Hoops were denied a spot kick when the ball struck Michael Smith’s hand without the incident being checked on the monitor but yet two weeks later concede a penalty when the ball hit Alexandro Bernabei’s hand in what looked like a fairly natural position.

It would appear that the ruling on handball is if the ball hits a players hand in the box the referee will eventually give a spot kick but that consistency wasn’t shown at Tynecastle.

There were warnings that VAR would have teething problems but the technology is adding a theatrical element to the game with players standing about waiting which impacts the viewing experience of a paying fan.

Last Saturday, there were five minutes added on to the first-half due a VAR check which is absolutely ludicrous. Referees must make decisions quicker and show consistency.

With one game left before the winter break, there is likely to be even further VAR drama.