SCOTTISH football has taken a step closer to introducing video assistant referee (VAR) technology after a summit meeting of the country's top flight managers and referees hosted by the SFA in Perth.
Hibernian head coach Neil Lennon, who emerged as spokesman for the managers, said the meeting was "very productive" and there had been unanimity between the referees and managers that there was a genuine appetite to make progress on VAR.
"I think the most unanimous decision was VAR, for the referees and the managers as well," said Lennon. "It [the meeting] was very respectful," he said. "There was a lot of humour, a lot of debate at times and I think everyone came out of it feeling better about themselves."
Chief executive Ian Maxwell said there was now "a real appetite to investigate VAR". While both the SFA and the SPFL will be involved in that decision, Maxwell insisted that the brunt of the costs would have to be borne by the clubs themselves.
Hearts and Aberdeen are just two sides who have previously indicated their willingness to foot the bill to bring this procedure in.
"I think the managers see the benefit of it not only in the World Cup but different leagues and competitions throughout Europe," the SFA chief executive said.
"I think Scottish football can afford it. The SPFL have an amount of money and most of that is distributed to the clubs. If an element of that has to be taken to cover the costs of VAR then that's a decision the clubs have to make.
"Obviously there is a training element for referees," added Maxwell. "I think the current Fifa programme takes 12 months to get through, but it's definitely going to be worth it in the long run."
Celtic's Brendan Rodgers and Rangers' Steven Gerrard were among the managers in Perth, with John Beaton - who reported online threats he allegedly received following Rangers' win over Celtic last month to police - one of three referees in attendance.
The possibility of appointing full-time referees and the SFA's controversial new disciplinary procedures were also discussed, although Lennon suggested that compliance officer Clare Whyte, who is in her first season in charge, had been "very impressive".
Maxwell felt the summit had been worthwhile as the "managers will have a better understanding of different processes and how the association works".
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