Keith Hackett wants 'aggressive' change as Rangers make approach to Scottish FA

Keith Hackett has welcomed Rangers pushing for changes to VAR in Scottish football.

It's been a positive rebuild for Derek McInnes and the Bears, who have recently beaten Celtic twice.

Wins in the Scottish Premiership and Premier Sports Cup came without referee drama, but with no away fans present for either.

Rangers have been outspoken on the quality of officiating in Scotland, with many believing it handed Celtic the title last season.

McInnes himself picked up a ban for that this season after his comments while at Hearts in the last campaign.

Now, Rangers are pushing for changes to the VAR system and they may get their wish.

What have Rangers asked Scottish FA to change?

After a recent Fan Advisory Board meeting with several key Ibrox chiefs, the minutes have been released.

Greig Mailer, COO, confirmed that Rangers have proposed a change to VAR protocol in how announcements can be made to fans.

They've suggested that a public announcement should be made when officials are dealing with communication issues, too.

Hackett, an ex-FIFA listed referee, agrees with that, saying it's unacceptable how fans are treated when VAR checks are going on.

Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, he said: "I have frankly held a long time view that the VAR operation on matchday inside the stadium should operate in the same way as Rugby Union.

"The three match officials come together on the field of play. The replays of the incident along with the verbal interaction between VAR and Referee should be totally transparent.

"The fans able to listen and see the outcome of the incident and the course of action the match official applies.

"Leagues sadly are unable to do that due to the IFAB Protocols. Let’s face it fans inside the stadium when a VAR intervention takes place are treated in an unacceptable manner.

"It needs to change and clubs need to be more aggressive towards change."

Are Rangers leading this charge?

The 49ers and Andrew Cavenagh made sure to raise the issues last season.

Questions were asked for Scotland's Head of Refereeing, with a number of controversies raised.

One that springs to mind is Auston Trusty making contact with Jack Butland's head with his boot, only to get a yellow card.

Change won't happen immediately given the lack of funding and investment, but open communication to clubs and fans is a step in the right direction.

Let's hope others are joining Rangers in this fight for the better.