Referee mistakes have been a hot topic in the Scottish Premiership this season, with several high-profile incidents sparking controversy among fans and pundits alike. As the new head of referees, Willie Collum, takes charge, he has conceded that officials got two major decisions wrong in the opening four weeks of the new season. In a bid to increase transparency and accountability, Collum has introduced “The VAR Review,” a new monthly show on the Scottish FA’s YouTube channel, where he discusses contentious incidents and provides insight into the decision-making process.
The VAR Review: A Step in the Right Direction?
The VAR Review has been met with a mixed response from fans, with some praising Collum’s willingness to address referee mistakes, while others have criticized the show for being too defensive and not adequately addressing the issues at hand. In the first episode, Collum highlighted eight controversial incidents, including a penalty that should have been awarded to Celtic in their 4-0 win over Kilmarnock, and a missed handball by Dundee United in their 2-2 draw with Dundee.
Collum was also critical of referee Matthew MacDermid’s body language in the lead-up to Cyriel Dessers’ goal for Rangers against St Johnstone, which was awarded despite St Johnstone players and manager Craig Levein claiming that the referee had distracted their defenders by signaling for a free-kick in their favor. However, Collum concluded that the correct process was followed, and the goal was correctly awarded.
Handball Incidents: A Major Concern
Handball incidents have been a major concern this season, with several high-profile incidents sparking debate among fans and pundits. In one incident, Hearts thought they should have had a penalty when Yan Dhanda’s cross struck Connor Barron’s elbow during the 0-0 draw at Tynecastle. Collum pointed out that the incident “shows the direction of travel we want to take with handball” since he took charge, highlighting the short distance between the two players and Barron’s arm being tight to his body.
However, Collum also conceded that there was a lack of understanding of many handballs last season, and that this season’s officials have been coached to prioritize the arm’s position and whether the player makes their body bigger. This approach has been met with skepticism by some fans, who argue that it is too restrictive and fails to account for the complexities of the game.
Hearts vs. Tynecastle: A Case Study
The Hearts vs. Tynecastle match is a prime example of the complexities of handball incidents. In this case, the referee’s decision not to award a penalty was correct, as the ball struck Barron’s elbow in a way that was not intentional or reckless. However, the incident highlights the need for greater clarity and consistency in the application of handball laws.
Collum has acknowledged that there is still room for improvement and that the Scottish FA will continue to work with referees to ensure that they are equipped to make the right decisions on the pitch.
VAR Technology: A Tool for Improvement
VAR technology has been touted as a game-changer in the world of football, allowing officials to make more accurate decisions and reducing the risk of controversy. However, the technology is not foolproof, and there have been several instances where VAR has failed to intervene in situations where it should have.
Collum has emphasized the need for VAR to be used judiciously, with officials trained to prioritize the most serious incidents and avoid over-reliance on the technology. This approach has been met with criticism from some fans, who argue that VAR should be used to correct all errors, not just the most serious ones.
Conclusion
In conclusion, referee mistakes have been a major concern this season, with several high-profile incidents sparking controversy among fans and pundits. While the VAR Review has been a step in the right direction, there is still room for improvement, particularly in the application of handball laws. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how the Scottish FA addresses these issues and works to improve the standard of officiating in the Scottish Premiership.
As for Collum, he remains optimistic about the progress that has been made so far, saying, “We feel our referees, our assistants, our match officials, and VARs have made a step in the right direction. Obviously, we still see room for improvement.” With the VAR Review and ongoing training for officials, Collum is confident that the Scottish FA can improve the standard of officiating and reduce the number of referee mistakes in the Scottish Premiership.
Referee mistakes are an inevitable part of the game, but with the right approach and technology, we can work towards minimizing their impact and ensuring that the game is fair and enjoyable for all.