CRAWFORD ALLAN is set to step down from his position as the head of refereeing at the SFA by the end of the season, according to sources reported in the Scottish Sun. The decision for the 56-year-old to resign from his role seems to be a mutual agreement at a time when Scottish referees and VAR officials have been facing criticism due to various controversies throughout the season.
Appointed in January 2020, Allan oversaw the introduction of new technology to the Scottish football scene in October 2022. However, the implementation of VAR was met with immediate backlash, notably during Celtic’s game against Hearts where contentious decisions raised doubts about the system’s effectiveness. The uproar continued in subsequent matches with incidents involving VAR leading to intense scrutiny of the officials’ performances.
Recent incidents, including a controversial red card and penalty decision, have added fuel to the fire, prompting criticism from managers and fans alike. The backlash culminated in a mid-season review that identified sixteen VAR errors in the first two rounds of Premiership fixtures.
Amidst this backdrop, Allan’s departure signifies a turning point for refereeing in Scottish football. While he has agreed to stay on temporarily to ensure a smooth transition, the SFA is already exploring potential candidates to fill his role moving forward. Allan’s exit marks the end of an era for referees in Scotland, signaling a new chapter in the league’s officiating landscape.
