The Scottish FA have appointed their first dedicated video assistant referees ahead of the big Premiership kick-off.
Scottish football is truly back this weekend after the summer.
The first top-flight game will take place on Saturday at lunchtime at Celtic Park and the champions host Ross County.
➡️ Two new dedicated VAR officials ➡️ New independent review panel ➡️ Improving decisions & speed ➡️ Dealing with time-wasting & dissent SFA Head of Referee Operations Crawford Allan on what has changed with VAR and how time-wasting will be dealt with during the new season ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/fqUDmSi87w
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) August 3, 2023
Although, the SPFL's action will officially get underway as Arbroath takes on Dundee United on Friday night in the Championship.
VAR was introduced to the Premiership in October last season, mid-season, and it caused plenty of controversy throughout the remainder of the campaign.
Now, the SFA have announced they have appointed Andrew Dallas and Greg Aitken as the country's first solely dedicated VARs.
The duo have more than 30 years of combined experience as matchday officials.
But they will take a step back from the pitch, instead focussing their efforts on getting more decisions right in Clydesdale House.
Gary Hilland, Andrew McWilliam and Graeme Leslie will also call time on their on-field duties to take up positions as the first dedicated Assistant Video Assistant Referees in Scotland.
SFA head of referee head of Crawford Allan said: "Andrew and Greg have significant experience officiating at the highest level but have both shown a particular aptitude operating as VARs since its launch last year.
"With the new season upon us it is important for us to continue to improve the VAR operation in all areas, so while their time on the pitch has come to an end, we are delighted that our match officials will continue to benefit from their vast experience."
Allan added: "Throughout the past few years as we began our journey towards implementing VAR in Scotland we have engaged in knowledge exchange with other nations who have VAR in operation and the creation of the VAR independent review panel builds on best practice from other top nations in this area."
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