Former referee Des Roache has called for significant changes to the use of VAR in the Scottish Premiership following a contentious end to the season. The ex-SFA whistler highlighted a specific incident during Celtic's title-winning final day clash with Hearts as an example of how the technology should be employed correctly.
Controversial Penalty Decision
In the final week of the season, Motherwell midfielder Sam Nicholson was adjudged to have handled the ball in the dying seconds of their match against Celtic, with the score tied at 2-2. VAR official Andrew Dallas intervened and flagged the incident to referee John Beaton, who awarded a penalty. Kelechi Iheanacho converted from 12 yards, a goal that proved crucial as Celtic only needed a win to secure the title, eventually defeating Hearts 3-1.
The SFA's Key Match Incidents (KMI) panel later ruled that the penalty decision was incorrect. However, Hampden's refereeing chief Willie Collum defended the call. Roache, however, pointed to another incident in the closing stages that he believes illustrates the real problem with VAR.
Roache's Critique
Speaking to the Sunday Post, Roache stated: "I don't think that VAR is the problem; the issue is the people who are operating it and how they're being coached and educated to use it." He cited the offside decision in Celtic's last league game against Hearts, where assistant referee Dave Roome erred but match official Don Robertson corrected it. "Technology works. It's how you're being coached and applied to use it," he added.
Roache was critical of the standard of technology in Scotland, calling it "VAR-lite" and demanding stricter protocols for what constitutes interference with on-field decisions. "We do not have the correct process and the correct technology that everybody can see. I don't think the same processes are applied here as in England," he said.
Desired Changes
Roache outlined his vision for VAR reform: "I'd like to see VAR solely get involved in clear and obvious errors and not step inside a referee's opinion. The referee is the sole arbiter on the pitch; they should be making their own decisions, and it shouldn't be overturned unless it's glaringly obvious."
He concluded by calling for a comprehensive review of how VAR is implemented in Scottish football, emphasizing the need for better coaching and application of the technology.
