ANGE POSTECOGLOU questions why there are so many “teething problems” concerning VAR – and the Celtic boss points out it has been “around for four or five years.”
New technology was introduced to Scottish football last month and the Hoops were yet again involved in controversy on Wednesday when a goal from Filipe Jota was ruled out in their 2-1 win over Motherwell at Fir Park.
The SFA have admitted that they did not have a sufficient angle of the Portuguese attacker’s solo effort in the 58th minute which would have doubled the visitors’ advantage after Kyogo Furuhashi’s early strike in the first-half.
CELTIC VIEWS…Ange Postecoglou gives his verdict on VAR “teething problems”.
Postecoglou, preparing for the visit of Ross County tomorrow afternoon before the four-week World Cup Finals break, said: “For me, it’s not about decisions. I still think with VAR there will be contentious decisions. For me, it’s the process.
“It’s why I was uncomfortable with the fanfare when we introduced it. It was the talk of the town as if it was brand new. Australia, which everyone seems to think is a backwater, had VAR four years ago.
“It’s not new. Referees in our league who referee in Europe have used it.
“We made it out to be a really big thing with big expectations. Now we are saying ‘expect teething problems’. I don’t know why there would be teething problems for something that’s been around for four or five years.
“If they’re not ready now, don’t start, just wait till we’re ready.”
Postecoglou, speaking in the media conference, continued: “For me, it’s not about decisions.
“They are saying Jota was offside, they have evidence of that, whatever that evidence is, it’s with them and that’s fine.
“Even if they’re wrong, I don’t care, that’s the decision. There’s plenty of wrong decisions. For me, it’s the intrusion it has on the game.
PUZZLED…Filipe Jota looks perplexed after his goal had been ruled out in midweek.
“Look, human beings are involved. The fact that a camera is not pointing to where it should be, I’m kind of hoping they went through this process before and said ‘these are the protocols’. You have got to allow human error within that context.”
The Greek-Australian gaffer added: “VAR, we understand it’s part of the game, we have introduced it, let’s get on with it, but don’t make it the star of the show. Unfortunately, at the moment that’s what it is.
“I don’t think it helps anyone, not the referees, the clubs, players, coaches or supporters, to have VAR as the focus of discussion.”
Postecoglou had been clearly frustrated with the time taken for VAR checks in the Hoops’ 4-2 victory over Dundee United in the east end of Glasgow at the weekend.
And he looked mystified in an earlier game when a blatant handball by Hearts defender Michael Smith in the penalty area was missed by both the match official and his VAR assistant in Celtic’s 4-3 win at Tynecastle.
We must hope tomorrow’s match against Malky Mackay’s Highlanders passes without any intrusions.
