The SFA yesterday rolled out a brand new VAR initiative that will seek to hold referees more accountable and explain contentious decisions.
In what looks to be a positive step, ‘The VAR Review’ show will run monthly on the Scottish FA’s YouTube channel.
The first episode of the new initiative went live yesterday, in which Head of Referees Willie Collum mulled over several decisions.
One that stood out to Celtic fans was Kyogo’s denial of a penalty on Flag Day against Kilmarnock.
Killie ‘keeper Robby McCrorie clattered into the striker after losing out on the ball.
In the VAR Review, Collum admitted referee Don Robertson got it wrong, as did Greg Aitken in the VAR room.
On YouTube, the VAR audio from the incident is available. It raises a fair few questions.
Indeed, Aitken swiftly waved away the penalty claim and seemed to interpret McCrorie’s movement towards Kyogo falsely.
“I think he’s just made himself big and not moved”, he said.
Rather promptly, the VAR official then told referee Robertson the check was over and that no on-field review was required.
“Don, check complete,” Aitken frankly stated.
The speed with which Aitken dismissed the claim is concerning.
He clearly ignores the fact that the stopper clattered Kyogo, and, considering the footage, saying that McCrorie didn’t move is utterly nonsensical:
— Wizardofbaws🍀 (@delbhoyy007) September 11, 2024
The introduction of the VAR Review show and everything associated with it is entirely positive, but it is difficult to escape the incompetence of some officials in Scottish football.
