ANGE FEARS VAR COULD OVERSHADOW OLD FIRM

ANGE POSTECOGLOU fears that VAR could ruin the second Old Firm game of the season as a spectacle.

Today’s derby at Ibrox will be the first played since the technology was introduced to Scottish football in October.

While the advent of VAR was widely welcomed by managers, players and officials, there has been criticism of the length of time it’s taken for decisions to be arrived at.

And with a worldwide audience set to tune in for the biggest clash in the Scottish calendar, Postecoglou wants to see the football — and not the officiating — generate all the talking points.

‘I certainly hope so,’ said the Celtic manager. ‘I am sure the authorities and officials are well aware of the magnitude of the game and the eyes that will be on it.

‘The last thing we all want is to be standing around and watching an individual with his hand to his ear for too long. That is not what people around the world are going to be wanting to watch.

‘If mistakes are made in terms of decisions I think we can deal with that, but ultimately what we want to see is a good game of football.’

Celtic start the day with a ninepoint lead over Rangers at the top of the Premiership, a scenario which gives the home side little option but to come out all guns blazing in search of a win. But Postecoglou is adamant that the need for Michael Beale’s men to go on the front foot from the off will have no impact on how he sets out his side.

‘I don’t know why it should,’ he said. ‘If you start dictating how you are going to prepare for a game depending on where you are in the table and what your form is, you kind of miss the opportunity to prepare for what is in front of you. It doesn’t matter.’

FORMER Celtic and Scotland striker Frank McGarvey has died at the age of 66.