ANGE POSTECOGLOU has been a vocal critic of VAR since it was introduced almost three months ago.
The Celtic manager has had every right to make his thoughts known on the new technology following a sequence of incomprehensible decisions by referees and their studio assistants which have affected his team.
The champions were pitched right in to the revolution that was supposed to correct the flaws that have blighted football from day one. However, after the Hoops’ 4-3 win over Hearts at Tynecastle on October 22, everyone was left with more questions than answers.
The capers in the capital with ropey match official Nick Walsh and his VAR helper Steven McLean left everyone baffled, especially Michael Smith’s bout of basketball when he clearly handled a James Forrest cross and the hosts escaped an obvious penalty-kick decision.
At the same time, McLean, sitting in the Glasgow studio with multi screens in front of him, pointed out that the Edinburgh side should be granted two spot-kicks. Both resulted in Lawrence Shankland goals.
It has more or less continued in a similar vein, so it was good to see that the mention of VAR at the media conference yesterday actually had the Greek-Australian gaffer smiling.
Postecoglou was quizzed on the technology as he spoke to the press ahead of tonight’s Premiership meeting with St Mirren at Parkhead.
Asked for his thoughts on whether VAR had improved our game, the manager reponded with a hearty laugh.
Answering his inquistor, he grinned: “You must have missed my last four press conferences!
“My view hasn’t really changed, I’ve already made people aware of my concerns early on and I haven’t really addressed it too much since.
“It’s all on the record. We move on.”
We all hope the confrontation with the Paisley men in the east end of Glasgow is remembered for the actual football and not some more barmy interruptions by the VAR team.
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from Celtic v St Mirren this evening – only in your champion CQN.
