Kenny Dalglish calls for VAR in SPFL amid Rangers’ title brawl
Kenny Dalglish has called for VAR to be introduced in the SPFL to help referee the increasingly intense title battle between Rangers and Celtic.
A number of controversial decisions have angered fans and pundits which has caused more calls for the technology to be introduced.
The clubs are yet to decide whether they want video assistance for referees to be introduced next season.
The former Parkhead forward believes clubs must find the cash to make the league as fair as possible.
Writing in The Sunday Post, Dalglish said: “We have a great fight going on for the title between Rangers and Celtic.
“When it is so tight, that causes tension, which means every refereeing decision is put under the microscope.
“That’s why I wish we already had VAR in place. We don’t, but we need to find a way to make sure it’s introduced for the start of the new season.
“Our referees want it, and most people are in agreement that our game needs it. As I’ve always said, VAR isn’t there to embarrass the officials or make them look incompetent. It is there to provide help in the hope that the correct decision will be reached.
“Even with VAR in operation, many decisions still come down to opinion. Very few are factual. But having that evidence to work with can make the whole process so much better.”
No brainer
The doubts around VAR come largely from the human aspect of the technology. Taken completely at face value, VAR should be used wherever possible.
Unfortunately, the biggest reference point of the technology we have is through the Premier League which has been absolutely shambolic to say the least.
If executed properly it can be a really useful tool to eradicate as many mistakes as possible within games by referees.
Scottish football has the privilege of looking at what works and more importantly what doesn’t in other countries and implement it in their own way.
It is understandable why the technology is so controversial, but it can be utilised successfully as seen in the latest European Championships.
Decisions were made quickly and effectively based on the rule book, and nothing else.
The referees removed all ego from their decision making which resulted in a really well refereed tournament with consistent decisions.
If the SPFL decide in favour of VAR they should look at that tournament as the benchmark.
In other Bears news, Jorg Albertz reveals difficult relationship with Dick Advocaat at Rangers.