Scottish Cup Draws Criticism for Lack of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Technology

A former referee has criticized the Scottish Cup for the lack of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in all but one game, labeling it a ‘farce’. The only match to utilize VAR in the fourth round is the clash between Celtic and Buckie Thistle on Sunday.

The absence of VAR will affect several matches, including Dumbarton vs Rangers, Spartans vs Hibs, and Forfar vs Aberdeen. These clubs either lack the necessary facilities or funds to install the technology, with the £10,000 cost proving prohibitive.

While VAR is available at Livingston, Motherwell, Ross County, and St Mirren, it will not be used for their Scottish Cup ties due to additional expenses. This discrepancy in officiating standards within the same stage of a competition has been criticized by former top-level referee Steve Conroy as sheer incompetence.

Conroy also criticized the Scottish Football Association (SFA) for only appointing fourth officials to oversee three out of the thirteen matches. He interpreted this decision as a cost-cutting measure by the governing body, which raises questions about equality and fairness among the competing teams.

Conroy recalled last season’s Scottish Cup upset, where Aberdeen saw a legitimate goal disallowed against Darvel due to the absence of VAR. He expressed concern over potential match-deciding decisions that could go against teams due to the lack of VAR intervention.

He further suggested that if VAR could not be implemented in all matches, it would be more prudent to wait until the semi-finals and final stages of the competition. Conroy found it baffling and staggering that such inconsistencies could occur in Scotland’s flagship knockout tournament.