Ian Maxwell has launched a fierce defence of VAR in Scottish football, insisting the technology is working and will not be removed from the game.
The SFA chief dismissed critics who have questioned the integrity of referees and the VAR system following a string of controversial decisions late in the domestic season.
The most high-profile incident involved referee John Beaton awarding Celtic an injury time penalty against Motherwell at Fir Park during the Premiership title race.
After a VAR check, Beaton penalised Sam Nicholson for a contentious handball in the box, with Celtic securing a 3-2 victory from the spot.
Maxwell pushed back strongly against those labelling the system as inferior, saying: “There is a narrative that we have VAR-lite and it’s a cheap VAR system, but we have the same VAR system as over 50 percent of European nations.”
He insisted that much of the criticism was driven by tribalism rather than genuine officiating errors, stating: “It doesn’t even need to be wrong. It just needs to be a decision you don’t like because it doesn’t suit your team.”
Maxwell acknowledged that emotions ran high given the circumstances, saying: “We had as tight a title race as we’ve ever had which heightened everybody’s emotions the way it unfolded.”
However, he drew a firm line at allegations of bias and corruption, warning: “When it crosses over into allegations of bias and corruption or being disrespectful to our staff and officials, a line has been crossed and I need to say enough is enough.”
The SFA were forced to provide police protection to Beaton and his family after his private details were leaked online, with Maxwell describing having to contact the head of serious organised crime to secure protection for the referee’s home.
Maxwell said the experience left him furious, stating: “It was disgusting. Honestly, I was absolutely raging.”
He revealed the deeply personal nature of the conversations he was forced to have with the official, saying: “I was speaking to John, saying: ‘Do you want to move your family into a hotel, an AirBnB or are you happy staying where you are?'”
Beaton ultimately chose to remain at home with his family, but Maxwell said those conversations highlighted how untenable the situation had become for officials.
Maxwell also confirmed that the findings of an independent review into crowd trouble at the Scottish Cup quarter-final between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox would be published within days.
He warned that stricter punishments for pitch invasions and fan disorder are now being considered, pointing to UEFA’s approach as a potential model for Scottish football.
Maxwell said: “The only thing that impacts supporters’ behaviour is things that impact the supporters. History has proven that.”
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