Ex-Fifa official: Celtic and Rangers ‘heading towards a car crash’ after BBC twist reported
Keith Hackett has warned Celtic, Rangers and the rest of the Scottish Premiership are “heading towards a car crash” if they delay the vote on introducing VAR.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted the league needs to give officials as much time as possible if they want VAR to run smoothly.
The Times reported on Friday (14 January), via BBC Sport, that the vote – which was due to take place in February – now may be held in April instead.
As quoted by football.scotland last month (5 December), Crawford Allan revealed he wanted to bring in the technology as soon as possible.
The referee chief wants it in place by the end of 2022 when the league resumes after the Qatar World Cup.
“I think the Scottish clubs – Celtic, Rangers and the rest – are heading towards a car crash,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“They’re giving insufficient time to ensure the match officials can operate the system smoothly.
“I would warn them to not get into the traps of the English Premier League where they are three years down the line and the decision making is still not of the standard you would expect.
“Ensure that those that are in charge of referees are satisfied they can deliver a performance when VAR is introduced with training and education.
“They’ve got to have a lot of simulations. For me, they should introduce it almost immediately but not apply it, have it shadowing and test it. Then you can see who’s good at it and who needs additional training.”
In other news, Rangers and Celtic are set to benefit financially after ‘huge’ news is confirmed.