VAR introduced in Scotland – the details behind the major development

Hibernian’s home game against St Johnstone will herald the introduction of the new technology.

Published Oct 20, 2022

The use of video assistant referees (VAR) will start in Scottish domestic football on Friday night.

Hibernian’s home game against St Johnstone will herald the introduction of the new technology and way of officiating games before it is rolled out across the cinch Premiership on Saturday.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at the details behind the major development in Scottish football.

Why now?

The 12 Premiership clubs voted in April to introduce VAR, prompting the Scottish Football Association to step up training programmes and the installation of technology inside the top-flight grounds and at its central hub. The cost had been a major obstacle but with about 60 domestic leagues around the world already using the system, including in the likes of Albania, Azerbaijan, Slovakia and Slovenia in Europe, clubs agreed to meet the initial £1.2million outlay from their prize money this season on a sliding scale. There was no chance of getting it ready for the start of the season but clubs and the SFA were keen to get it up and running as soon as it was ready and fully tested.

What is the technology?

The SFA's VAR control room — The SFA’s VAR control centre (SFA handout)

When will VAR come into play?

VAR will be at Easter Road on Friday night (Jane Barlow/PA)

Who will be behind the screens?

VAR centre — Top-level referees and assistants will be in front of the screens (SFA handout)

Which games will it be used for?

Willie Collum will be the VAR for Friday’s Easter Road clash (Graham Stuart/PA)

How will fans be impacted?

Hibs fans — Hibernian fans will be among the first to witness VAR in action in Scottish football (Andrew Milligan/PA)