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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Bobby Madden cites Rangers penalty 'simulation' in call for further VAR transparency

Former referee Bobby Madden has called on the Scottish FA to add further transparency to the VAR process.

Madden - who refereed in Scotland and England - reckons the opportunity should be taken by Hampden chiefs to share opinions on decisions on a weekly basis.

However, he admitted he's unsure if that's a likely scenario in the future - even if there might be appetite from current top-flight referees.

He told the Daily Mail: "Me being out and having the opportunity to speak is beneficial not just for the public but for the referees. I'm speaking from experience and an understanding of protocol and the laws of the game.

"But I do genuinely think the SFA should take the opportunity to share their opinions weekly. I just don't know if we are any closer to that happening. Now, with VAR and having the audio, it's a real opportunity. I think the match officials would welcome it. They are mature and brave enough to hold up their hands to a mistake. Whether they would want to share audio or not, I'm not sure.

"But for the sake of transparency it's the only way people will have a full understanding of how a decision was arrived upon. And it's about education. Not criticising officials. Referees will make mistakes, I know that better than anyone."

One clear example where regular communication on VAR decisions could prove beneficial, according to Madden, is on the penalty awarded to Rangers against Livingston.

The former ref branded the incident as 'clear simulation' as he referenced the spot-kick awarded when Ross McCausland went to ground in the box under challenge from Shamal George.

Madden explained: "The decision to give Rangers a penalty kick at Livingston is a recent example. For me, quite clearly, that was simulation. People have said they can't believe it wasn't checked. But it would have been checked, they have just decided not to take it to an on-field review. That's where the education helps. Let's hear the audio and what was discussed."

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