Ref Thomson backs VAR use in Scotland
REFEREE Craig Thomson last night gave his backing to introduce Video Assistant Referees (VAR) at football matches in Scotland. Officials have been on the receiving end of severe criticism once again this week after a series of controversial calls — including a penalty decision by Andrew Dallas that left Hearts boss Craig Levein fuming during a 2-2 draw with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park on Wednesday. Thomson, who was forced to call off last night’s Championship clash between leaders Ayr United and Inverness Caley Thistle due to high winds, believes VAR would be beneficial in this country — to stop referees making the headlines for all the wrong reasons. ‘For me, personally, anything that can help referees, then I would be all in favour of it,’ the 46-year-old told BT Sport. ‘It’s certainly good enough for other countries. ‘It’s good enough for the European Championships, it’s good enough for the World Cups and the Champions League. ‘Referees do not want to be talked about. When you look at the headlines in the last couple of days, it is the last thing we want as referees. ‘There’s nothing worse coming away from a game when you’ve affected the score of the game. ‘If we can bring in VAR, which would help referees and the game, then I’m in favour of it.’