The powers that be at the top of Scottish football have united with club Managers behind the introduction of Video Assistant Referees (VAR), after a special SFA meeting in Perth.
In the meeting, Managers and referees also agreed to draw a line in the sand after a tumultuous first half of the campaign. Rangers went for Willie Collum after Kissesgate up in Paisley. Celtic and Chris Sutton donned tinfoil hats to criticise John Beaton.
But what all the managers agreed upon is that referees need help.
John Beaton was targeted in the wake of Rangers Old Firm win over Celtic last month. (Photo by Jeroen Meuwsen/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Scottish referees John Beaton, Kevin Clancy and Andrew Dallas all spoke at the meeting. As did Compliance Officer Clare Whyte. The sounds coming out of the gathering are all positive.
Managers and referees “unanimous”
Hibs Manager Neil Lennon spoke on behalf of the managers at the meeting. He acknowledged the productiveness of the sit down. But he also revealed both sides want the introduction of VAR in some capacity.
Lennon said: “The meeting was very productive. The most unanimous decision amongst the referees and managers was on VAR.
Neil Lennon spoke on behalf of bosses at the meeting. (photo by Alan Rennie/Action Plus via Getty Images)
SFA CEO Ian Maxwell added: “There is a real appetite to fully investigate VAR, the managers see the benefits of it.
“Scottish football can afford it and ultimately it will come down to a club decision.”
It would seem there are major changes in the offing when it comes to refereeing in Scotland. Given how whistlers have dominated back pages, that can only be a good thing.
The only Managers not in attendance at the meeting were Hamilton’s Martin Canning and Kilmarnock’s Steve Clarke.