Andy Walker has yet again scathed the use of VAR - but reckons there is far too much hate out there in the wake of the sickening abuse of Kevin Clancy.
VAR was once again the centre of attention on Saturday in the Old Firm derby when Alfredo Morelos thought he had turned home an opener at Celtic Park, before the goal was ruled out Kevin Clancy decided he had pushed Alistair Johnston. In the aftermath of the game, the official has had abuse sent his way and contact details published online, with the SFA referring the matter to Police Scotland.
Since VAR's initiation into Scottish Premiership football in October, fans have continued to voice their displeasure at the men behind the screen for their inconsistency within decision making. But Walker believes that whilst the refereeing contingent have been making poor decisions with VAR backing them, those watching from afar are analysing in an extremely forensic matter.
He told Go Radio: "If anyone thinks referees favour one team over the other, I think we've got a strong group of referees. In all honesty, over the course of the season, I don't think VAR has helped them.
"I think we're seeing referees make poor decision in the middle of the park with the knowledge that VAR can get them out of trouble. But no one deserves that type of treatment and the truth is, that there is far too much hatred out there.
"You need to make some sort of stance. We have another game in a couple of weeks at Hampden and another game a week, maybe two weeks, after that at Ibrox, and there is far too much hatred out there and we have to do better.
"I don't think we have enough referees of top quality. These guys are lawyers, accountants - they wouldn't want to give up their main job. This is their second job to do games at the weekend, to do the European games.
"We just have to look at what VAR has done for us and I don't think it has been helpful. I think it can be much better and I'm convinced. I go to as many games south of the border, games are managed differently down there, because there are higher thresholds - even for fouls.
"I think supporters enjoy it, they enjoy seeing each other coming together, and we are far too forensic in our examination of every hand that might be raised, every tug on a jersey that may be too strong, and I don't think we are using VAR in the way that we should."
