Jota against VAR as Celtic hero insists 'it's ruining football' and makes case for human error

Celtic hero Jota has warned the introduction of Video Assistant Referees will damage the domestic game in Scotland.

The £6.5 million Celtic hero encountered VAR in the Portuguese top flight with Benfica and Spain’s La Liga during a loan spell with Valladolid. He also experienced it in Champions League and Europa League action, including with Celts last season.

Now it’s set to be phased into the cinch Premiership and final stages of the Premier Sports Cup following the World Cup Finals in December. But Jota doesn’t want it and criticised the technology for destroying many delights of the sport. He reckons its often a passion killer for goal-grabbers like him who feel they can’t celebrate until a VAR check has examined the build-up to a goal. And he stressed that human error by players, managers and officials should remain a fundamental part of football’s appeal to all.

When asked about VAR being phased in for a staggered start this mid-season, Jota said: “I have heard about that. I don’t like it. I think it is ruining football and I am totally against it. That’s my personal opinion. I am evaluating this from every angle - as a fan, as a footballer, everything. I think football is much more than that. Nowadays we try to complicate what is simple.

“But I guess it’s not up to me to make those decisions. Football is about mistakes, it’s about errors. Everyone will make mistakes. I will make mistakes; the referees will make mistakes and the coaches too. That’s the beauty of it. Because, if there is a mistake, then someone is going to take an opportunity.”

The Portuguese winger completed his long-awaited permanent transfer from Benfica on Friday, signing a five-year Parkhead contract. He scored 13 goals, contributed