Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Rangers vs Aberdeen VAR chaos as technology breaks down during semi-final

VAR took centre stage during this afternoon's Viaplay Cup semi-final as communication issues plagued the Hampden showdown between Rangers and Aberdeen.

Referee Nick Walsh halted play on three occasions during the match as he lost contact with the VAR officials during the match.

In the first half of extra-time, supporters inside the stadium were informed that VAR would not be in use for the remainder of the match.

After continued delays and connection problems an announcement confirmed the news.

Commentator Rory Hamilton then informed those watching at home: "There will be no VAR for the remainder of this game due to those communication issues."

Stephen Craigan then added: "Just on the VAR, Rory. I was at a meeting a while ago and I was told that if the VAR broke down during the game that the game would continue and work without VAR. 

"That is going to be the case."

However, moments later it was then announced that the VAR issues had been resolved and was back in action for the remainder of the match.

Hamilton added: "I think they might now be onto backup VAR - trying to reconnect.

"The word that we are getting is that VAR is back. They have managed to get the communications reconnected."

An SPFL statement later confirmed that a technical issue had resulted in a five-minute period where VAR was not in use.

VAR was then reinstated after a move to a backup station.

A statement read: “The Scottish FA have confirmed to us that a technical issue with the VAR station at Clydesdale House resulted in a five-minute period where VAR was not in operation at Hampden Park.

"The issue was resolved by moving to the back-up station and VAR was operational immediately thereafter.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.