Following a period filled with contentious decisions and intense scrutiny, Crawford Allan, the Scottish FA’s head of referee operations, has made the decision to step down from his role at Hampden as the season draws to a close. The Scottish Football Association conveyed this news through an official statement on their website.
Taking the helm four years ago after John Fleming, Allan, age 56, faced his fair share of challenges and criticisms. The focus of much of the disapproval has been on the introduction of VAR in the Scottish Premiership, a move that has triggered heated debates among the league’s top brass.
Looking back on his time in charge, Allan expressed satisfaction with his leadership during a period of significant upheaval in Scottish refereeing. His journey has been marked by navigating obstacles like the COVID-19 pandemic and the adoption of VAR in Scottish football. With almost three decades of experience as a match official, including a commendable 15 years at the sport’s highest echelons, Allan leaves behind a legacy of service.
The application of VAR has stirred up a storm of controversy, with recent complaints from Celtic directed at the SFA following a string of disputed calls in a match at Tynecastle. Concerns over inconsistencies in handball decisions and the interpretation of “clear and obvious errors” have been at the forefront of the debate.
Detractors of VAR argue that instead of simplifying the job of referees, it has only added layers of complexity to their decision-making process. Furthermore, issues around transparency and accountability within the refereeing structure have cast a shadow, hinting at systemic challenges that need addressing.
