John Hartson makes Celtic and Rangers 'loyalties' VAR point as Bobby Madden uproar prompts request for English refs

There is no point in introducing VAR if the same Scottish referees are behind it.

That's the view of Celtic legend John Hartson after the historic ballot to introduce the tech in the Premiership.

Hartson insists impartial referees from south of the border should be drafted in after 41 out of 42 Scottish senior clubs voted in favour of the introduction of VAR in Scottish football's top flight.

The technology will be rolled out following the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

VAR was first introduced to the wider footballing public with the 2018 World Cup in Russia before its expansion to domestic leagues across the globe - including England's Premier League in 2019 - with hopes the technology could eradicate 'clear and obvious errors'.

John Hartson spoke to his fellow pundits on Go Radio, explaining that he feels VAR will not provide fairer decisions if operated by the referees who currently take charge of Scottish games.

The discussion comes after Bobby Madden's refereeing performance during Sunday's Old Firm Scottish Cup clash.

Both sides of the Glasgow divide were left baffled by some of the big calls at Hampden as Rangers defeated their Glasgow rivals to secure their place in the Scottish Cup Final.

Speaking on Go Radio's Football Show, Hartson said: "VAR has to come in because it will help the referees.

"As long as we get the right people sitting behind the VAR. Maybe people that come up from London, who have not got any allegiances to any football clubs in Scotland.

"Because otherwise your'e going to have the same problems. You're going to get decisions and people will be making all sorts of things up - 'who does this guy support, where do his loyalties lie?'.

"It will go on and on, it will run. But I have to say