Don’t keep fans in the dark when we use VAR
GRAHAM ALEXANDER can’t wait for VAR to be used in Scottish football – but warned that fans must be kept aware of what is happening.
The long-awaited system was set to be introduced in the Premiership after the mid-season World Cup.
But now it could be switched on as early as October and Motherwell boss Alexander is more than ready for it.
He said: “I’m in favour of it coming in whenever everyone is ready for it to come in and people are prepared for us.
“There’s no point in rushing it in if the officials are having issues with it. If they feel confident that they are where they need to be at the appropriate time then I’m all for it.
“At the level we play at, big decisions cost clubs.”
While Alexander is keen for referees to have their say, he also urged them not to leave the fans in the dark when decisions are being made by VAR.
He added: “I understand that argument about losing spontaneity. You see it when people don’t celebrate straight away although sometimes there are goals where the minute it takes builds up the tension.
“There’s a little bit of that but whenever you change there is always something that’s going to fall by the wayside.
“You don’t want to take away the emotion – the essence of football – because that’s what makes it the No.1 sport in the world.
“Everyone is so emotionally involved in it and you don’t want to dilute that.
“And it’s important that we communicate with our players, staff members and supporters – and I’m sure they will.”