FORMER Celtic striker Kenny Dalglish was pleased to see SPFL clubs vote to introduce VAR for next season - but has warned that the timing of the technology's implementation is 'bizarre'.
Scottish clubs held a vote earlier in the week where 41 of the 42 member clubs voted in favour of bringing in video replays to assist referees, with the system set to be introduced once the Premiership restarts after this winter's World Cup in Qatar.
In practice, it means that the top-flight's rules will effectively change midway through the campaign - something that Dalglish fears could lead to 'potential problems' further down the road.
"I’m delighted that VAR has been voted through by the 42 SPFL member clubs," the Parkhead great wrote in his Sunday Post column.
"It’s something I’ve long championed as it will help our officials on a week-to-week basis.
"But I’m a wee bit surprised that the clubs are having to cover the cost of it, which is over £1million.
"The Premiership sides will pick up the tab – based on a sliding scale depending on where you finish in the table – yet I would have thought that the SPFL and SFA would have footed the bill.
"I’m also slightly taken aback that VAR will not be properly up and running until the second half of next season.
"I know that our officials have been training for this eventuality for a number of weeks in the hope it would be given the green light.
"So why do we need to wait until December or January to use it? Why can’t everything be ready for when the new season kicks off at the end of July?
"The situation as it stands could lead to potential problems further down the line.
"It’s far from ideal to be starting a season with one set or rules, and then having another in place midway through the campaign.
"For example, a goal in a game next season – which was clearly offside – could stand. Then when a similar situation arises when the same teams meet later in the season, it could be overruled by VAR, and the goal chalked off.
"To be honest, I find it bizarre.
"However, we need to make the best of this situation and, at least, the game is moving in the right direction.
"Scottish football badly needs VAR. The referees want it. Clubs and supporters want it.
"VAR is not there to embarrass referees. It is there to help everyone reach the right decision.
"But it is still vitally important that our officials are brave enough to call things as they see it.
"They can’t be afraid to have an opinion on an incident as everything is not black and white.
"I’m sure John Beaton and Bobby Madden would have liked to have had VAR last weekend in the Scottish Cup semi-finals."
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