The Scottish Football Association finds itself entangled in a series of refereeing controversies this season, and despite their efforts, the latest debacle seems challenging to shake off.

Aberdeen made a scathing statement this week, highlighting their dissatisfaction with the current VAR system in Scottish football, suggesting it is inadequate for its intended purpose.

Their frustration stems from a recent incident during a match against Livingston, where a close offside call was sent for VAR review. The technology malfunctioned, leaving officials to make a subjective call rather than rely on a clear outcome. This has reignited the debate on the viability of VAR in Scottish football, especially given the string of errors that have affected teams like Celtic.

Chris Sutton, a former Celtic player, echoes Aberdeen’s concerns and asserts that the SFA faces a serious crisis that demands immediate attention. Sutton criticized the SFA’s attempt to justify their decision-making process amidst technical failures, emphasizing the need for accountability and a reevaluation of how VAR is implemented in the country.

Scottish football’s reputation is at stake with recurring VAR controversies, with many questioning the system’s effectiveness and impact on the game experience. The sentiment is growing that the current setup is causing more harm than good and clubs must weigh the costs and benefits of retaining VAR in its current form.

Calls for transparency and a shift in the SFA’s approach are gaining momentum, urging officials to rethink their strategies and address the shortcomings of VAR to restore credibility and trust in the league. Moving forward, a thorough review of the system and a commitment to improving its functionality are imperative to prevent further controversies and uphold the integrity of Scottish football.