“VAR has been a disaster in its first season in Scotland” – Tam McManus

It would accurate to say that VAR technology splits opinion throughout the game and many are of the opinion it creates more controversy that less. Since it was introduced in England there has been complaints continually and there doesn’t really seem to be a point where everyone can get on the same page.

In the Scottish Premiership, it was decided it would be fast-tracked in October of last year, and it hit the grounds straight away and caused an extremely volatile reaction. Celtic plated Hearts at Tyncastle and were on the receiving end of some ludicrous decisions – including a blatant handball form Michael Smith which wasn’t given in our favour.

Since that day, things have never really changed vis-a-vis decisions on the field of play and things have gotten ridiculous when it comes to our club and the officiating we have to endure. Whether or not the VAR technology is good or bad, the men operating the system cannot be trusted and have proven time and time again their incompetence and sometimes even worse when it comes to the Hoops.

🗣️ 'VAR has been a disaster in its first season in Scotland'

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Having been on the receiving end of some incredulous handball calls and not receiving penalties at the other end of the park, combined with more dodgy offside shouts where the lines looked mightily suspicious, it’s not been a favourite of our support. Added into this, is the fact that the club across the city haven’t been on the wrong end of a bad decision, and it makes for rather dubious reading.

Tam McManus has insisted that “VAR has been a disaster in its first season in Scotland”, and that many of the decisions that are being made by the Scottish officials are “leaving people scratching their heads”. The former Hibs striker is hopeful that next season will show improved performances and results, but those of a Celtic persuasion won’t hold their breath!