The VAR Review 2025/2026

[well_said]

2 hours ago, Spiderpig said:

Just for information

Key Rules & Punishments (IFAB Laws of the Game)Definition:

Deliberate handball is moving the hand/arm toward the ball or positioning them to make the body unnaturally larger (not justifiable by body movement).

Restart: A direct free kick is awarded at the spot of the offense.

A penalty kick is awarded if it occurs inside the defender's penalty area.

Disciplinary Action (Cards)

:Red Card: If a player denies a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO) by deliberately handling the ball, they are sent off.

Yellow Card: If a player stops a promising attack (SPA) or handles the ball intentionally but without denying an obvious goal, they may be cautioned.No Card:

Incidental handball that does not stop a promising attack or break a specific rule (like scoring directly with the hand) might result in only a free kick.

Specific Scenarios

Scoring with Hand/Arm:

It is an automatic foul if a player scores directly from their hand/arm, or immediately after it touches their hand/arm, even if accidental.Defending Penalty Area: A defender who intentionally handles the ball to prevent a goal in the box receives a red card and a penalty is given.Goalkeeper:

If a goalkeeper handles the ball outside their penalty area, they are subject to the same rules as other players (usually a yellow/red card and direct free kick)

.Accidental Touch: If the ball touches a player's hand directly from their own head or body (e.g., a deflection off their knee), it is generally not considered a penalty offence.Note: The boundary for a handball offense is the bottom of the armpit.

Could you let collum know because that useless twat has no knowledge of the laws of the game.

[weeyin]

5 hours ago, Kmcalpin said:

I'm not doubting you. So, in the eyes of the SFA, intent is not relevant.   

The new handball rules were created to remove the interpretation of intent and any subjectivity from decision making. 

It was a reasonable idea as, of course, the only person who knows their intent is the player. 

It was a disaster of an implementation, however, and unlikely to ever be practical. 

So what we have now is a hybrid of soft unintentional penalties plus some situations where refs still need to assess intent. 

[cambo97]

15 hours ago, Kmcalpin said:

I'm not doubting you. So, in the eyes of the SFA, intent is not relevant.   

Not just the SFA, it part of the laws of the game. I think it's because in theory a deliberate hand ball could result in an advantage to the other team, for example if the ball is going out for a throw in and somebody catches it the other team gets a free kick which is more advantageous than a throw in.

Like you I thought a deliberate hand ball was a yellow and only recently found out it's not.

[mfc88]

On 5/3/2026 at 3:35 PM, SteelmaninOZ said:

I know you’re all waiting with baited breath for this 

 

 

See if you close your eyes and just listen, you can almost picture it as a jonathan watson "only an excuse" comedy sketch 😂

[Alpha1886]

Re Hearts game.
Bayern v PSG Champions League semifinal. PSG defender dives low to head a bouncing ball and receives a kick in the head from Kane who is attempting to play the ball. Ref immediately stops play for treatment to PSG player and restarts play with a drop ball - no foul or any action taken against Kane. Obviously the ref applied rule that PSG player put himself in danger. So Collum is advising Scottish refs to apply the rules differently or a different set of rules than those applied in the Champions League! 🤔

[dennyc]

8 hours ago, Alpha1886 said:

Re Hearts game.
Bayern v PSG Champions League semifinal. PSG defender dives low to head a bouncing ball and receives a kick in the head from Kane who is attempting to play the ball. Ref immediately stops play for treatment to PSG player and restarts play with a drop ball - no foul or any action taken against Kane. Obviously the ref applied rule that PSG player put himself in danger. So Collum is advising Scottish refs to apply the rules differently or a different set of rules than those applied in the Champions League! 🤔

Collum adjusts the Laws to justify errors made by his team. He will not admit to any mistakes that affect outcomes of games and the presenter will not challenge him. Example   ....     Re half way line sendings off - " it is not about whether players are likely to get round to cover. It's about the speed of the forward " He actually said that on air!  Think it was the week when a Falkirk player was sent off against Utd despite two defenders being in a position to challenge the player who was fouled.

That is one of the many flaws with IFAB instructions. Each Association or competition is able to implement the Laws as they see fit. And the more they tamper, the worse it gets.  English Clubs always highlight the different hand ball rules that apply in European tournaments. Bayern Munich have an axe to grind in that regard as well following their loss to PSG. Remember when Spain decided that every hand ball in the box was a penalty and a yellow or red card no matter what? Thankfully they were open enough to eventually drop that guidance.  

Until our Officials, and Collum in particular, are prepared to be honest and accept mistakes are made then nothing will improve. And that won't happen until the Laws are applied consistently across all countries and competitions. Basically, Collum drives how the Laws are applied in Scotland. Possibly why no Scottish Officials are deemed able enough to be at the World Cup in any capacity. Speaks volumes.

 

[wellfan]

1 hour ago, dennyc said:

Basically, Collum drives how the Laws are applied in Scotland. Possibly why no Scottish Officials are deemed able enough to be at the World Cup in any capacity. Speaks volumes.

Possibly? Unless Collum pumped FIFA’s maw, the collective incompetence is definitely the reason.

[Richie]

Nick Walsh is the only Elite Grade Ref in Scotland and only just received that qualification in Dec.

There were no eligible Refs to go to the World Cup

[dennyc]

35 minutes ago, Richie said:

Nick Walsh is the only Elite Grade Ref in Scotland and only just received that qualification in Dec.

There were no eligible Refs to go to the World Cup

How does a referee reach that elite grade?

I'm guessing it requires ongoing assessment by UEFA or FIFA? If so that only reaffirms that none were regarded as competent enough to officiate at a high level. Presumably the same rule applies to fourth officials, assistants and VAR where we are also unrepresented. Over 150 positions in all. Quite an indictment of Scottish football.

Then again Willie Collum and Craig Thomson were involved in so many controversies whilst officiating in Europe that it's no surprise Scotland was put on the naughty step. Those two caused havoc wherever they went. Not a great endorsement.

[SteelmaninOZ]

Here we go surprise 

 

[El Grew]

Wednesday 16th May 2026
Motherwell 2-3 Celtic

On 22nd May 2026
The Scottish Football Association (SFA) Key Match Incident refereeing panel ruled that Celtic should not have been awarded a last-minute penalty in the above match.

On 29th May 2026
The SFA’s Head of Refereeing, Willie Collum said the decision to award a last minute penalty to Celtic in the above match was correct.

Does the SFA Head of Refereeing not talk to the members of the SFA KMI Panel?  On this evidence, clearly not!

I wonder if they realise how stupid and incompetent this makes them look.

[bobbybingo]

11 minutes ago, El Grew said:

Wednesday 16th May 2026
Motherwell 2-3 Celtic

On 22nd May 2026
The Scottish Football Association (SFA) Key Match Incident refereeing panel ruled that Celtic should not have been awarded a last-minute penalty in the above match.

On 29th May 2026
The SFA’s Head of Refereeing, Willie Collum said the decision to award a last minute penalty to Celtic in the above match was correct.

Does the SFA Head of Refereeing not talk to the members of the SFA KMI Panel?  On this evidence, clearly not!

I wonder if they realise how stupid and incompetent this makes them look.

Collum points out that the KMI panel is unofficial and not part of the SFA, which is true. He then explains its purpose is to stop folk claiming his lot are 'marking our own homework' - which would be fair enough, if they didn't simply ignore the KMI panel's opinions whenever they want, and award themselves a big gold star.

[Spiderpig]

40 minutes ago, El Grew said:

 

I wonder if they realise how stupid and incompetent this makes them look.

Most people think that about them but the SFA is a cosy wee corrupt clique that thinks its untouchable and can do no wrong, their sense of entitlement and the "we are never wrong" attitude is unbelievable.

 

[joewarkfanclub]

The contortions Collum finds himself in trying to justify decisions would be hilarious if they werent so serious.

He knows the rules fine. But the irony is, that by continuing to defend his referees in such a manner, he strips them of any remaining credibility that they have on a monthly basis.

The public can all see that the Emperor has no clothes. Unfortunately the Emperor has absolutely no idea that he is standing in front of thousands naked.

[joewarkfanclub]

I dont condone violence, or threats of violence. The opposite in fact.

However, its quite telling that the SFA have come out and blamed fans and the media for their "employees" feeling under threat.

You cant present in such an incompetent manner and not expect criticism.

The fact that a few nutters decide to behave, well, like nutters, doesnt mean we should all shut up.