Scottish referee Bobby Madden has claimed a lack of VAR in Scottish football could hurt the credibility of the league.
The Scottish whistler was speaking to the Evening Times as discussions continue over the future of refereeing in the country.
With many high-profile refereeing mistakes last season, Madden feels giving referees that assistance is vital to ensuring interest in the league and that Scottish football gets taken seriously.
“Myself and Willie Collum and Kevin Clancy (current SSFRA chairman) met with the league and the SFA just last week to discuss where we are,” explains Bobby Madden, as quoted by the Evening Times.
“It was a very open chat and the SFA and SPFL have their own priorities and need to see where this sits. The biggest issue comes down to funding.
“I had 16 away days in Europe plus a full week to be IFAB approved to referee and act as a VAR. There is all that work to be done and as much as we are doing work to investigate will it be financed, I think there is a lot we can do as a referee movement to start working in the background.
“For me, the biggest thing is just the credibility of the league. I mentioned at the end of last season that VAR is being used in countries like Malta and Georgia.
“And if you are sitting at home flicking between English, Spanish and German football with VAR then flick to Scottish football and you see a clear mistake where you think VAR will fix it and we don’t have it then it affects the credibility of the league.”
MORE RANGERS STORIES
It’s positive to see the national referees taking the issue of VAR so seriously with the whole thing beginning to feel like an inevitability rather than a possibility.
Last season’s Scottish Premiership was marred by high-profile clashes between clubs, fans and referees.
Rangers released a statement condemning whistler Willie Collum [Rangers.co.uk] after the referee sent off Daniel Candeias for allegedly blowing a kiss at a rival player.
Celtic too released a statement condemning referee John Beaton after he didn’t punish Alfredo Morelos for several off the ball incidents in December’s Old Firm win.
At least with VAR, Scottish referees will have the benefit of hindsight. But how much will it cost? Bobby Madden has an estimated figure in mind.
“From talking to other referees around Europe that can be anything from £3000 to £5000 for every game. The first thing that has to happen is to establish the true cost for Scotland and take things from there.”
