FridayOL

Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin has issued a stark warning to Scottish football authorities: a failure to invest in modern Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology risks leaving the Scottish Premiership trailing behind other top leagues worldwide. In an exclusive interview, Raskin highlighted the growing disparity in officiating standards and the need for significant upgrades to ensure fair play and maintain the league's credibility.

“Look, I love playing in Scotland, the passion of the fans is incredible,” Raskin stated. “But we need to be honest – the VAR system here is not up to the standard of the top European leagues. It’s impacting games, creating frustration for players and fans, and ultimately, it's damaging the image of Scottish football.”

The current VAR setup in Scotland has been plagued with issues, including inconsistent decision-making, lengthy delays, and a lack of transparency. This has led to widespread criticism from managers, players, and supporters alike. Raskin's comments reflect the growing sentiment that a significant overhaul is necessary.

The Cost of Inaction

Raskin emphasized that the investment isn't merely about improving the VAR technology itself, but also about training and infrastructure. “It's not just about buying the equipment,” he explained. “You need to invest in the people operating the system, give them the best training, and ensure they have the right tools to make accurate and timely decisions. The cost of *not* investing is far greater – it’s the potential damage to the league’s reputation and the loss of interest from fans and potential investors.”

He pointed to other European leagues, such as the English Premier League and Bundesliga, which have invested heavily in VAR and have seen improvements in officiating accuracy and efficiency. “They are setting the standard, and we need to aspire to reach that level,” Raskin added.

Beyond VAR: A Holistic Approach

While Raskin’s primary focus was on VAR, he also suggested that a broader investment in refereeing development is crucial. “It’s not just about technology; it’s about improving the overall quality of refereeing in Scotland. More training, more support, and a greater focus on consistency are all essential.”

The call for investment comes at a critical time for Scottish football, as the league strives to attract new talent, increase viewership, and compete on the European stage. Raskin’s message is clear: embracing technological advancements and prioritizing referee development are vital steps in ensuring the long-term success of the Scottish Premiership.

The Scottish Football Association (SFA) and the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) are expected to face increasing pressure to address these concerns and demonstrate a commitment to modernizing the officiating process. The future of Scottish football may well depend on it.