ANGE POSTECOGLOU has resisted the temptation to get overly excited about the introduction of VAR to Scottish football.
The Celtic boss couldn’t prevent himself from cracking up at the media conference ahead of this afternoon’s Premiership match against Hearts at Tynecastle.
History was made at Easter Road last night when the Video Assisted Referee system was utilised for the first time as Hibs lost lost 2-1 to St Johnstone.
SCREEN TEST…Ange Postecoglou is quizzed on the introduction of VAR.
Kevin Clancy was in charge of the action while colleague Willie Collum took care of business in the video operations room back at Clydesdale House, but, thankfully, the 90 minutes passed without incident.
The introduction of VAR has been a talking point all week, but the Hoops gaffer has not been engulfed in the discussions about the worth of the system which should help match officials to get decisions right on match day.
Postecoglou, speaking to Celtic TV, said: “I’ve never seen so much excitement. I’m totally ambivalent about it.
“It’s not like it’s an exciting new signing. This stuff doesn’t rock my boat and I doubt anyone is buying a ticket to watch VAR. Hopefully, they’re there to watch the football.
“VAR is only there if the referees miss something, so, hopefully, they don’t miss anything major and the game plays.
“It’s not the starring attraction, so if we don’t see it [being used]I will be the happiest man in Scotland.”
COLLAPSE…Ange Postecoglou cracks up at media question.
THE JOKE’S ON ME…Postecoglou laughs it off.
Asked if the video technology would change how he coaches, Postecoglou playfully buried his head on his desk.
He recovered to smile and say: “No, listen, I’ve been here 16 months now. How many times have I mentioned referees after a game?
“I know it’s a favourite subject up here and after a game it’s the main talking point, but it just does not interest me in the slightest.
“The best referees are the ones we don’t notice because the game is more important and I’m sure the referees prefer it that way, as well.
“But, no, I’m not excited, it’s not going to change my coaching. It’s not going to change how I talk to the players.”
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from Hearts v Celtic this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.
