The controversy surrounding Celtic’s use of VAR in their recent match against Hearts has sparked widespread frustration among fans and commentators alike. The crux of the issue lies not with the technology itself, but with the inconsistent manner in which it is implemented.
Former referee Bobby Madden emphasizes that the problem of inconsistency should not exist, given UEFA’s efforts to standardize the application of the rules. Before each season, UEFA provides detailed guidance to referees to ensure uniform enforcement of the rules across all its member associations.
Addressing the specific incident involving Hyunjun Yang’s red card, Madden pointed out UEFA’s clear stance on the application of the excessive force rule related to high boots. According to Madden, UEFA’s guidance is explicit: a red card is expected if a player makes contact with an opponent’s head or face using the studs of their boot. Contact made with the laces or side of the boot, absent excessive force, should merit a yellow card instead.
The confusion arises from the application of this guidance in the Tynecastle match. Questions linger as to whether referees John Beaton and Don Robertson overlooked UEFA’s instructions or interpreted the play’s slow-motion replay as showing excessive force, influenced perhaps by Alex Cochrane’s reaction.
The incident underscores the need for the Scottish Football Association (SFA) to ensure strict adherence to UEFA’s guidelines to prevent such errors, which could have significant financial repercussions. With the Scottish Premiership’s winner standing to gain a Champions League spot worth £60 million, errors like those seen in Celtic’s defeat at Tynecastle could have monumental financial implications.
