Aberdeen recently raised significant concerns about the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system after a crucial goal was disallowed in their recent match against Livingston. The problem arose when a late-game goal was overturned due to a malfunction in the Hawkeye system, which is designed to aid VAR decisions, particularly in determining offside calls. This malfunction led to a situation where VAR officials were unable to definitively ascertain if a player was offside, resulting in a decision that Aberdeen believes compromised the fairness of the game.
The VAR ultimately ruled the goal should not stand, going against the on-field ruling of onside and essentially making an educated guess about the player’s position. The Scottish FA has taken note of the issue and has launched an investigation into why the technology failed at such a crucial moment.
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges with the VAR system for many clubs. Aberdeen suggests that Scottish football may not have access to the necessary equipment to ensure proper implementation. They stated, “This incident reveals that the current version of VAR in Scottish football, or what is feasible within our means, is insufficient for its intended purpose. It underscores the limitations of the technology, its inconsistent application, and the negative impact on the overall fan experience.”
