David Edgar reacts to new SFA Hampden Park VAR talks after Rangers Old Firm controversy
David Edgar has shared his verdict on recent discussions between officials and the SFA following controversial calls in Rangers matches admitting he admired their request for a pay rise.
Reports emerged from BBC Sport on Monday (15 January) that talks had been held between the governing body and referees at Hampden, with officials feeling as though the SFA’s handling of recent controversial calls had left them in the firing line.
The most prominent of these calls was the decision to not award Rangers a penalty during their Old Firm clash with Celtic in December, in which the Light Blues were not given a spot kick despite a blatant handball in the penalty area, even if replays showed Abdallah Sima would have been offside in the build-up anyway.
Referees did, however, reportedly offer to enter discussions over releasing VAR audio to supporters, but only if they were to receive a boost to their match fee, a notion that earned the admiration of the Heart & Hand presenter Edgar.
Writing on the Heart & Hand Podcast’s X page on Monday (15 January) he said: “Referees also told the SFA that there would be support for discussions on releasing VAR audio in return for an increase to their match fee.
“You have to admire that.”
Needs Improvement
It is admirable that referees in the Scottish game have stood up for themselves and challenged the SFA after a difficult start to the season, but the officials themselves have to start improving as well as they are making far too many mistakes.
Maybe it is fair that the officials should be paid more if VAR audio is to be broadcast, but if they are completely comfortable in their decision-making, they should have no issue sharing their decision-making process with supporters watching at home.
Hopefully, the events of the last few weeks can serve as a catalyst for some genuine change for the better in the Scottish game as currently, the Premiership is suffering from a blame culture when it comes to officials and contentious decisions.
In an ideal world, referees would get every decision right and while supporters don’t expect that, they do expect honesty. Let’s hope after the winter break supporters will see an improvement in officiating.
In other Rangers news, one Daily Record journalist has mooted the possibility of three more arrivals during the January transfer window