Alexander eagerly awaiting introduction of VAR
MOTHERWELL manager Graham Alexander believes improvements in VAR make it an increasingly attractive prospect for Scottish football.
’Well found themselves on the end of another controversial moment on Wednesday when Eamonn Brophy was allowed a second attempt to equalise from the spot for St Mirren following a disputed award by referee Bobby Madden. Alexander still feels
Madden was wrong to punish Sondre Solholm Johansen following a collision with Brophy, and television footage appeared to show goalkeeper Liam Kelly had one foot on the line when he was penalised by an assistant referee as the Saints striker hit his saved penalty.
Alexander has expressed frustration over a number of incidents in recent weeks, including an offside goal scored by Rangers striker Fashion Sakala during an Ibrox draw, a Boli Bolingoli handball that did not lead to a penalty against Celtic, and two spot-kicks awarded to Hearts.
“The first year of VAR was very difficult, it was too long and slow, and the millimetres they were cutting down the offsides to was unnecessary,” he said.
“I think they have understood that over the summer and it’s now a better product and actually helped some big decisions in English football.
“So if that can be brought here and help the game be fair, and less mistakes, then I think that’s a good thing.
“I was a sceptic about it when it was first talked about and when I saw the first year of it I didn’t really see its value. But since then, watching how it’s worked, it has cleared up some big decisions and helped the officials. But I think they should be part of the conversation as well because it’s their jobs.”