Jimmy Thelin in 'crazy' VAR verdict as Aberdeen FC boss explains why the technology was snubbed in Sweden

Referees don’t normally enrage Jimmy Thelin but he admits VAR might end up turning him a bit crazy.

The new Aberdeen boss will get his first real taste of the technology when he makes his Premiership bow against St Johnstone on August 5 at McDiarmid Park. He has just arrived at Pittodrie from Swedish football where they took the unusual step of voting against its introduction. And Thelin revealed: “I’m quite cool with the referees usually, but maybe I will get crazy – I don’t know.

“I have a lot of respect for referees. To be out there and making decisions is not easy. So I have to respect the rule and I wouldn’t change with referees as I think it is a really difficult job. I respect them and I have to show that also. I can’t just say it and not show it. I also have to be focused on the game. If I’m going too far I’m losing focus totally so I try to be calm in these situations.”

Thelin admitted that back in his homeland the fans are the main driving force and that is why there is no VAR in Sweden. Its introduction hasn’t been universally welcomed in Britain. Wolves in the English Premier League put forward a motion to remove it and Aberdeen’s own chairman, Dave Cormack, confirmed at the club’s last AGM that he would happily bin it.

Thelin added: “The clubs in Sweden are 51 per cent for the fans as they are the decision makers in one way. They voted that you can’t put it in. It is a really strong culture about that.

“They want a fluid game, with passion and offside. That’s what they want and for now it is going to be like that. There are some talks in other countries that they want to take it out, so let’s see in the future.

“I don’t put so much energy in that as I have to focus on the right thing, my priorities. That is