VAR in Scotland has once again grabbed attention for all the wrong reasons over the weekend.
So much so that Aston Villa and Scotland midfielder John McGinn believes the system should be scrapped in Scotland “until they get it right.”
There were a number of contentious decisions across the Premiership fixtures, including in Celtic’s 2-1 loss to Hibernian on Sunday.
Auston Trusty was dismissed for violent conduct after 74 minutes with the match finely poised, but it is a call McGinn disagreed with, arguing that such incidents are commonplace in the modern game.
In any case, should Scotland continue with VAR? McGinn is not convinced.
John McGinn urges VAR to be scrapped in Scotland
McGinn is familiar with VAR in the English Premier League, where the financial backing is far greater and the pool of officials significantly larger.
That certainly makes a difference, yet the Villa skipper feels Scottish football would be “better without it” given the volume of problems currently surrounding its use.
This is what he told Premier Sports.
Michael Stewart: “Would you scrap it, John?”
McGinn: “Aye, in Scotland, I would scrap it. Until they get it right.”
Alan Hutton: “It’s either the proper one or not.”
McGinn: “Even sometimes when I see the lines, they are almost diagonal, at times. But I understand how it’s now, then take it away. I do get that as well.
“In England, it’s not perfect either. There are inconsistencies. Europe seems to be quick. Everything seems to get done quickly and efficiently. And in England, they are trying things out like the referee speaking through the stadium and describing it.
“I do think Scottish football is slightly different, and it would be better without it.”
McGinn on Auston Trusty’s red card against Hibernian
Celtic were level with Hibs deep into the second half when Trusty was penalised for striking Jamie McGrath’s arm at a corner.
McGinn felt the decision “changed the game” and warned that if such incidents are deemed red cards, officials will have to scrutinise every set-piece with extreme detail.
The Scotland international, who is set to feature at the 2026 World Cup this summer, also pointed out that Rangers forward Youssef Chermiti “did something similar” during Rangers’ 2-2 draw at Livingston.
“I do think the red card changes the game,” said McGinn. “If that’s going to be a red card, then you are going to have the microscope out for every corner.
“Granted, it was stupid. But if I am marking someone and holding someone from a corner. I am expecting to get my arm punched for somebody to get away from me. It happens all the time.
“Even (Youssef) Chermiti, maybe not with the same force, when Chermiti was getting the ball back at 2-2 against Livingston, he actually did something similar. Not as aggressive as Trusty. That can’t be a red card. It does change the flow of the game.
“I am not sure Celtic would have had enough to go and win 2-1. But it’s a big, big call, and an important call.”
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