The news broke on Monday that Crawford Allan, the head of referees at the SFA, is set to leave his position at the conclusion of the current season.
This announcement follows a tumultuous period marked by controversies surrounding the implementation and management of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system since its introduction in 2022.
The plot thickens as sources close to the situation, including Stephen McGowan of Mail Sport, suggest that Allan’s departure is not entirely voluntary.
It is understood that pressure from top clubs in the SPFL has been a critical factor in this decision. These clubs have expressed significant dissatisfaction with Allan’s handling of VAR, pointing to a series of mishaps and controversies that have marred the system’s use in Scottish football.
Under Allan’s supervision, the referee department has faced criticism for what many see as inconsistent and problematic decisions related to VAR, leading to calls for a change in leadership. The SFA’s acknowledgment of these issues is evident in their reported pursuit of an external candidate from outside Scotland to assume Allan’s role.
Celtic has been vocal about its concerns regarding VAR and its implementation. The club’s repeated expressions of discontent highlight the broader dissatisfaction within the league.
Allan would be out sooner had there been a ready made replacement.
