Scottish referees and Premiership managers back introduction of VAR

Scottish football is to investigate the introduction of video assistant referee technology (VAR) following a summit between officials and top-flight managers.

Hibs head coach Neil Lennon spoke on behalf of Premiership managers

SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell and head of refereeing John Fleming chaired the meeting at McDiarmid Park, Perth which was attended by all Premiership bosses, except Hamilton’s Martin Canning and Steve Clarke of Kilmarnock. It came in the wake of a series of high-profile clashes between whistlers and managers this season.

Hibs head coach Neil Lennon, speaking on behalf of the Premiership managers, said: “I think the most unanimous decision was VAR, for the referees and the managers as well

“The referees felt it would be a great help for them and the managers also want it introduced in some form.

“It takes a while – John Fleming was telling us it takes almost a year for the referees to be trained up on it. However, everyone was unanimous in supporting it.”

SFA chief Maxwell insisted Scottish clubs could afford to introduce VAR technology.

He said: “It was a really good, positive meeting and everyone engaged in it.

“There is a real appetite to fully investigate VAR, the managers see the benefits of it.

“Scottish football can afford it and ultimately it will come down to a club decision.”