Rangers-Celtic controversy: Expert demands further SPFL overhaul after confirmed VAR news
Scottish referees must become professional after controversy during Rangers’ 2-1 win over Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final on Sunday (17 April).
That is the view of former Aberdeen and Leeds striker Noel Whelan, who was speaking exclusively to Football Insider after SPFL clubs voted to introduce Video Assistant Referee technology after December’s World Cup.
As per Sky Sports (19 April), 41 of 42 SPFL clubs voted to introduce the technology – which is expected to cost £1.2million per season.
The news comes after a polarising refereeing performance from Bobby Madden during Rangers’ cup win at Hampden Park on Sunday.
Speaking during commentary on Premier Sports, Celtic legend Chris Sutton claimed Madden “embarrassed himself” with his “ridiculous” performance.
Whelan urged change at the top, with referees in the Scottish game still employed on a part-time basis.
“There’s lots of work that still needs to be done for Scottish refereeing,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“The teams are crying out for change. Some of the decisions made have been so detrimental to losing games and points this season.
“I do believe if you have a badge on the shirt which says ‘Premiership’, then you should have premier referees.
“VAR is a good first step, but the referees have got to be professional.
“There are big games with lots of stake in Scotland, and they need to be introducing the top level of infrastructure if the Scottish game is going to kick on.”
Rangers will play Hearts in the Scottish Cup final on 21 May at Hampden Park.
Celtic lead the Scottish Premiership by six points with five games remaining.
In other news, Daizen Maeda among three Celtic stars slammed by pundit as ‘huge’ claim issued post-Rangers.