Van Bronckhorst calls for VAR
Rangers boss feels video can help SPFL refs to do their job
RANGERS boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst last night called for VAR to be introduced into the Premiership after a spate of controversial calls in Scotland’s top flight.
The SFA began dialogue with clubs earlier this year over the possibility of introducing a video refereeing system and after a generally positive reception, the SPFL intend to vote on its implementation early next year.
This week alone saw Rangers and Celtic land three points in their respective league matches after pivotal calls from the officials.
Van Bronckhorst’s team were firstly awarded a penalty late on by referee John Beaton on Wednesday night when Ryan Kent hit the deck following a challenge by Hibernian defender Ryan Porteous.
Then, on Thursday, Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic won all three points against Hearts as a result of a Kyogo goal that appeared to be offside.
Both decisions resulted in major debate from fans and pundits alike and Van Bronckhorst believes VAR would be the perfect answer to eradicate such disagreement from Scotland’s game.
He said: “I’m for VAR. Because you have situations in games when it is very difficult for the referee to see and to make decisions. So VAR is there to help the referee, which is very important. I’m from Holland and I think VAR came from Holland. It’s fair to have VAR for both sides, really, so I’m really for VAR next season.”
The Ibrox manager would also like to see Scotland’s referees go full-time in a bid to improve officiating across the Premiership.
He added: “The last time I played here was 2001, that was my last game. I knew the refs then. Now coming in after a couple of games, I know the officials in Scotland aren’t full-time.
“If you are a full-time referee – it doesn’t matter what job you have – you can fully concentrate on your job.
“I think sometimes it is not easy for refs because they have their normal jobs and then have to officiate games.
“So in an ideal world, of course. I think if you speak to the refs as well, they will be much better if they can have the full-time jobs because they can do what they love. For me, it is always better to have full-time officials.”