Kris Commons in VAR reminder as Celtic hero savages referees but insists problems go beyond Scotland
The former Parkhead midfielder reckons the problems go well beyond the flashpoints north of the border.
Fuming Kris Commons insists VAR is not working either in the Scottish Premiership or English Premier League - putting the blame for incorrect decisions on "bad referees".
The use of video technology was at the centre of the debate in Scotland as the Scottish Cup took centre with St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson criticising ref Steven McLean for using VAR to punish Richard Taylor for stopping a Liel Abada shot with his arm on the goal-line which led to Celtic being awarded a penalty. 24 hours later at Ibrox, Partick Thistle took the lead through Kevin Holt's spot kick when Rangers star Antonio Colak was punished for a handball after whistler David Munro was sent to the monitor.
South of the border, ref Lee Mason faces criticism for his actions in the VAR room during Arsenal's clash with Brentford. As the Ivan Toney equalised against the Premier League leaders, Mason failed to sport Christian Norgaard was in an offside position when he headed the ball back across for the box for the goal after the correct lines were not drawn during the check.
Former Celtic midfielder Commons has been left fuming by VAR. Writing for the Daily Mail, Commons said: "From the moment VAR was introduced in Scottish football in October, we always knew it was going to cause plenty of controversy.
"It was never going to solve all of the problems, not when the basic level of officiating in the Premiership is so poor. VAR can't turn bad referees into good ones.
"But let's not pretend these issues exist purely in Scotland. Controversy with VAR exists wherever you go as we've seen from a weekend of some utterly shambolic decisions in the English Premier League. I was watching Match of the Day on Saturday night and it almost felt like every single game had some sort of howler in it.
"Some of the decisions were scandalous, almost comically bad. Offside lines being drawn in the wrong place, failing to spot other players in offside positions, failing to spot blatant handballs it was horrendous. Howard Webb, the former referee who is now the head honcho of VAR and how it's used, has contacted Arsenal and Brighton basically to apologise.
"He admitted to 'significant errors' that cost both clubs three points in their respective games against Brentford and Crystal Palace. It's pretty embarrassing. Arsenal are currently chasing a Premier League title.
"VAR was supposed to put an end to all of these controversial decisions. But when you've got people who can't even operate the system properly, what chance have you got?"
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