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Derek McInnes calls for VAR to be introduced in Scotland

Derek McInnes calls for VAR to be introduced in Scotland
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The Aberdeen manager says the cost of the technology would be worth it.

Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes has called for Scottish football to consider introducing video assistant referees (VAR) to help under-fire officials.

A spate of controversial decisions around the country in recent weeks has turned the spotlight on referees.

McInnes, for his part, was unhappy with the penalty awarded to Celtic in last Sunday's 1-0 Betfred Cup final defeat at Hampden Park and with the dismissal of striker Sam Cosgrove in Wednesday's 1-0 Ladbrokes Premiership win over Rangers at Ibrox.

McInnes accepts video technology would be a costly addition to the game in Scotland but believes it would be worthwhile.

"I don't think we should just dismiss VAR because it's expensive," said the Dons boss, ahead of the visit of St Johnstone on Saturday.

"Obviously we aren't awash with money in Scottish football and it's something we would need to look at but for me, you have to see the benefits.

"It's going to come into every top-flight league and major competition within time.

"We should be making sure that we're doing all we can to have fewer controversial incidents. And it's major incidents and major calls that have a big influence on the game and the results.

"Surely we all want that? I think if there is a cost-effective way to apply a VAR system of sorts then we need to look at that."

Although acknowledging that VAR would not bring an end to errors, McInnes believes it would take away the focus from mistakes.

"We need to help the referees," he said. "We need to get a better overall product and less controversy to our games. It doesn't do us any good.

"And while it doesn't eradicate everything it certainly goes a long way to stop a lot of the frustration we've felt recently.

"If we want to be at the forefront of it, be up to date with other leagues and competitions, then it's something the authorities need to really investigate and not just dismiss as they maybe seem to have done in the past.

"[It gets dismissed] as too expensive and you don't get everything right anyway.

"Well, you get a hell of a lot more right with VAR and I would suggest it would be money well spent."

Meanwhile, striker Connor McLennan has signed a new contract that will see him remain at Pittodrie until the end of the 2020-21 season.

The 19-year-old said: "As soon as I heard about it, I couldn't wait to get the contract signed.

"It's been a great week for me, having been involved in the Betfred Cup final and then starting at Ibrox on Wednesday for what was a massive win.

"The team were all desperate to make amends for Sunday and it was a great feeling. My objective now is to cement a regular place in the first team."

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Dominic Ball in action for Aberdeen on December 2, 2018
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
Championship Group
1Celtic000080265478
2RangersRangers000072234975
3Hearts000046341262
4Kilmarnock00004334951
5St Mirren00003843-543
6Dundee00004454-1041
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1Hibernian00004451-739
2Motherwell00004651-537
3Aberdeen00003549-1435
4St Johnstone00002446-2231
5Ross County00003256-2430
6Livingston00002259-3718
 
First Phase
1Celtic33246380265478
2RangersRangers33243672234975
3Hearts33195946341262
4Kilmarnock33131284334951
5St Mirren33127143843-543
6Dundee331011124454-1041
7Hibernian33912124451-739
8Motherwell33813124651-537
9Aberdeen33811143549-1435
10St Johnstone33710162446-2231
11Ross County3379173256-2430
12Livingston3339212259-3718


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