Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell criticizes VAR in Scottish football

Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell has voiced his strong opposition to the use of VAR in Scottish football, stating that supporters would enjoy the game “a heck of a lot better” without it. Kettlewell’s comments come in the wake of 26 incorrect decisions identified by the Scottish FA’s VAR independent review panel since the start of the Scottish Premiership season.

One particular incident that Kettlewell highlighted was Motherwell being denied a penalty against Aberdeen in a 1-0 home loss in March. The manager expressed his frustration with the technology, stating that it does not enhance the spectacle of the game or add to the enjoyment of fans, players, and coaches.

In Motherwell’s recent match against Aberdeen, they suffered another setback when Jack Vale was sent off for a challenge on Jack MacKenzie. Despite the club’s appeal against the dismissal, Vale will miss the next two games. Kettlewell criticized the decision, arguing that players should not be penalized for every contact or collision on the field.

Furthermore, Kettlewell raised concerns about the composition of the appeal panel, noting the absence of an “ex-professional player, coach, or manager.” He emphasized the importance of having individuals with a deep understanding of the game involved in the decision-making process for such crucial matters in Scottish football.

As the debate over the use of VAR continues to rage on, Kettlewell’s outspoken stance against the technology adds to the growing discontent among managers, players, and fans in Scottish football. The manager’s call for a reevaluation of VAR’s role in the game reflects a broader sentiment within the football community that the technology may be doing more harm than good.