Fresh VAR controversy around Celtic and Rangers

Since it was introduced earlier this season, VAR has certainly had too many headlines for inconsistent decisions as far as Celtic are concerned. Things clearly need to change, if the system is to serve its intended purpose, and that is to get as many decisions right as possible and reduce the controversy surrounding refereeing decisions.

There have been many strange decisions seen across a wide range of games, which show clearly that VAR isn’t adding any real consistency. Some teams have come out on the wrong end more often than not, and Celtic have certainly not been benefited in any way since the introduction of the system.

On the other hand, it was decided as a practical point that when it came to cup matches, smaller teams from lower leagues playing ties at home wouldn’t have to install VAR cameras.

But now there’s a new twist in the use of the system in this weekend’s 5th round Scottish Cup ties. VAR will only be in use in the matches played at Celtic Park and Ibrox.

Further VAR controversy around Celtic and Rangers

Celtic’s home tie on Saturday against St Mirren and Sunday’s match when Partick Thistle visit Ibrox are the only games VAR will be used in the 5th round of the Scottish Cup. But it looks like there will be no VAR at the game between Dundee United and Kilmarnock, while Livingston will not be using it either, in their match against Inverness Caley Thistle.

As reported by the Scottish Daily Express, former Grade 1 official Steve Conroy told the Get Involved Referee podcast about the matter:

"“It’s absolutely ludicrous that the universal laws of the game are being compromised.“We all laughed when Aberdeen got knocked out at Darvel, but if the tech was there they would have had an equaliser.“You should either use it all the grounds or just save it for the semis and the final.”"

Some of the other Scottish Cup 5th round matches feature lower league teams at home where VAR cameras aren’t installed. On the other hand, for matches where the necessary equipment for the operation of the system is already installed but the game is not being televised, the use of the technology is at the discretion of the competing clubs.

It is believed that using VAR costs as much as £10,000 per match. Thus, it is understandable if some clubs choose not to use it, if given the opportunity.

But then, this raises further controversy around the matter and brings consistency into question. All football matches should be officiated on equal grounds, but that is certainly being compromised when it comes to VAR.