The introduction of VAR to Scottish football sparked plenty of debate, controversy, and, let’s face it, frustration. As Rangers fans, we’ve been on both ends of its decisions, sometimes benefiting and sometimes left bewildered. But now, there seems to be a glimmer of hope for the improvement we’ve been crying out for. The Scottish Football Association (SFA) is starting to take action, and Willie Collum, the new Head of Refereeing, is at the forefront of that push.
More Transparency for Fans: Finally!
For far too long, we’ve been left in the dark about how decisions are made on the pitch. Why was that penalty not given? Was that offside really clear and obvious? Fans across Scotland have been demanding more clarity, and now, with the SFA’s new monthly show The VAR Review, we’re finally getting a bit more insight.
The show, hosted by sports journalist Gordon Duncan and featuring Willie Collum, takes us behind the curtain to review the major decisions made over the first four weeks of the new season. From Celtic’s games against Hibernian and Kilmarnock to our very own encounters with St Johnstone and Ross County, it’s clear that Collum isn’t shying away from the tough calls. While it’s encouraging to see such openness, it doesn’t mean the system is perfect – far from it. But this move towards transparency is a step in the right direction, and as Rangers fans, we welcome it.
Referee Audio: A Game Changer?
One of the biggest talking points of The VAR Review is the release of referee audio alongside the controversial decisions. For the first time, we can actually hear what the officials are discussing in the heat of the moment, giving us unprecedented access to the decision-making process. This could be a game changer, offering fans a greater understanding of how these calls are reached.
Willie Collum even admitted that two major decisions were wrong in the opening weeks – something that would have remained hidden from view in the past. However, Collum was quick to point out that he’s content with the start VAR has made this season. Content? I’m not sure that’s the word most of us would use, but at least they’re acknowledging mistakes and, hopefully, learning from them.
Collum on Dessers’ League Cup Goal: A Closer Look
One incident that raised eyebrows among us Rangers fans was Cyriel Dessers’ goal against St Johnstone in the League Cup. Collum addressed this, stating that while referee Matthew MacDermid’s body language wasn’t great in the lead-up to the decision, the call itself was correct. For once, VAR worked in our favor, but it’s these kinds of explanations that give us more clarity and help us understand what’s going on – even if we don’t always agree.
Willie Collum Faces the Fans
Willie Collum didn’t just stop with The VAR Review. He also appeared on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard to answer fans’ questions directly – something that shows a willingness to engage with us, the supporters. Collum tackled some of the hottest topics in football, including the dreaded handball rule, offsides, and the ever-debatable “attacking phase of play.” It’s not every day we see someone in his position open up to this level of scrutiny, so hats off to him for that. But let’s hope the talk translates into action, especially when it comes to those baffling offside decisions!
Clyde 1 Superscoreboard Episode with Willie Collum Answering from Fans
Improving In-Stadium and TV Transparency: What’s Next for VAR Communication?
One of the biggest frustrations for fans, especially when watching live in the stadium, is being left in the dark during crucial VAR decisions. We’ve all been there – a goal goes to review, and we’re left staring at the screen wondering what’s going on. The lack of communication in real time is something that’s been highlighted not just by us Rangers fans, but by supporters across Scottish football.
In the latest discussions, Willie Collum acknowledged that while communication has improved through post-match reviews and shows like The VAR Review, there’s still work to be done in ensuring fans get real-time explanations. The goal is to provide more immediate updates directly to the stadium audience and TV viewers during the incident, rather than leaving everyone guessing until after the final whistle.
At the moment, the focus is on increasing overall communication, but the SFA is exploring ways to get information out as the decisions are happening. Whether it’s through announcements in the stadium or clearer TV graphics explaining the referee’s decision, these are steps in the right direction. Imagine being able to hear or see the referee’s reasoning as the VAR check unfolds, instead of having to wait for a post-match show or pundit analysis.
For those of us at Ibrox or watching from home, this would make the entire VAR process more transparent and less frustrating. It’s one thing to get an explanation after the fact, but having clarity in the moment would not only improve the fan experience but also help us understand the decisions that can sometimes feel baffling or inconsistent.
The technology is there, and now it seems like the will is too. If the SFA can deliver on this, it could be a game changer for how we experience football. Let’s hope they can roll this out sooner rather than later, because we all know how agonising those minutes of uncertainty can be when a crucial decision is being made!
Looking Ahead: Room for Improvement
There’s no denying that VAR has caused plenty of frustration, but the SFA’s recent efforts show they’re at least listening to fans’ concerns. The audio reviews, explanations from referees, and public acknowledgment of mistakes are all steps in the right direction. But as Collum himself pointed out, there’s still “room for improvement.”
For Rangers fans, it’s about ensuring that VAR is consistent and fair, not just for us, but across the board. We’ve seen decisions go against us and for us, but what we want is clarity, accuracy, and above all, fairness. Hopefully, with Collum at the helm and more transparency from the SFA, we’re moving closer to that goal.
So, what’s next? As we head further into the season, we’ll be watching The VAR Review closely, keeping an eye on how these changes unfold. Let’s just hope that the improvements keep coming – because we all know that every decision counts when it comes to the chase for silverware!
That’s your latest Ibrox Insider update – what do you make of VAR’s start to the season? Are you optimistic about the changes, or do you think we’ve got a long way to go? Let us know in the comments below!