JUST INN : The Plot Thickens; Crawford Allan’s SFA Resignation…..
Plot Thinning; SFA Resignation of Crawford Allan.
The SFA’s chief referee, Crawford Allan, is expected to step down at the end of the current season, according to information that surfaced on Monday.
This announcement comes after a turbulent time characterized by disputes over the use and administration of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, which was first introduced in 2022.
The story gets more complex as those with inside knowledge of the situation—such as Mail Sport’s Stephen McGowan—allude to the possibility that Allan’s departure was not fully 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.
