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Scottish Premiership managers keen to use Video Assistant Referee

SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell
Image: SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell says there is widespread appetite for VAR in Scotland

Scottish Football Association chief executive Ian Maxwell says there is an 'appetite' for Video Assistant Referees to be introduced.

Maxwell made the revelation after a meeting in Perth which involved the majority of Scottish Premiership managers, compliance officer Clare Whyte, a number of referees and senior figures from the SFA.

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The meeting was called to discuss a number of topics, chief among them a series of controversial refereeing decisions this season.

Managers have been critical of the standard of refereeing in Scotland and sought clarity on the way some decisions were officiated, as well as dealt with by post-match disciplinary processes.

Referee John Beaton contacted police after receiving threats online in the wake of last month's Old Firm clash at Ibrox, which saw Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos escape punishment after a series of incidents.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - OCTOBER 07: Referee John Beaton reacts during the Scottish Ladbrokes Premiership match between Rangers and Hearts at Ibrox Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Image: Scottish referee John Beaton faced online threats over Old Firm game decisions

After the meeting, Maxwell said: "It was a really good, positive meeting and everyone engaged in it.

"There is a real appetite to fully investigate VAR, the managers see the benefits of it.

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SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell
Image: SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell says there is widespread appetite for VAR in Scotland

"Scottish football can afford it and ultimately it will come down to a club decision."

The system could be introduced in the English Premier League next season after being trialled in Carabao Cup and FA Cup games.

The amount of training required means any introduction in Scotland would be unlikely to take place for at least 18 months and issues of finance will be discussed by the SFA and SPFL in the coming weeks.

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