Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd has ignited a fierce debate across Scottish football after calling for an urgent overhaul of the VAR system, claiming it has had a decisive and damaging impact on Rangers’ SPFL title charge this season.
The outspoken pundit did not hold back in his criticism, arguing that the current implementation of VAR in the Scottish Premiership is “inconsistent, confusing, and unfair,” particularly when it comes to key decisions that have gone against Rangers FC during crucial moments of the campaign.
Boyd’s frustration comes after a series of controversial calls that many Rangers fans believe cost the club valuable points in the tightly contested title race. With every decision magnified at the business end of the season, the debate surrounding VAR has only intensified—and Boyd has now become one of the loudest voices demanding change.
Speaking passionately on a recent broadcast, Boyd said the system, which was introduced to eliminate clear and obvious errors, is instead creating more confusion and frustration among players, managers, and supporters alike.
“VAR was brought in to help the game, but right now it’s doing the exact opposite,” Boyd said. “Week after week, we’re seeing decisions that nobody understands. It’s inconsistent, and it’s hurting teams like Rangers in a massive way.”
One of Boyd’s key concerns is the lack of transparency in how decisions are made. He has called for the introduction of live VAR audio, similar to what is seen in rugby, where referees explain their thought process in real time to both players and fans.
“We need to hear what the referees are saying. Let the fans understand why decisions are being made,” he added. “Right now, it just feels like guesswork—and that’s not good enough at this level.”
The former striker also questioned the standard of officiating and the speed at which decisions are reached, pointing out that lengthy delays disrupt the flow of the game and kill the intensity that Scottish football is known for.
Rangers’ title rivals, Celtic FC, have also been involved in their fair share of VAR-related controversies this season, but Boyd insists the cumulative effect of decisions has disproportionately impacted Rangers’ title hopes.
Fans have echoed Boyd’s sentiments across social media, with many calling for a complete review of the system ahead of next season. Some have even suggested scrapping VAR entirely, while others support Boyd’s idea of refining it with greater accountability and clearer communication.
The Scottish FA has yet to respond directly to Boyd’s comments, but pressure is mounting as the debate grows louder. Clubs across the league are expected to discuss potential changes in the offseason, with VAR likely to be at the top of the agenda.
Despite the controversy, Boyd remains firm in his belief that technology can still benefit the game—if used correctly.
“This isn’t about getting rid of VAR completely,” he clarified. “It’s about fixing it. Right now, it’s not working the way it should, and something needs to change before next season.”
As the dust settles on a dramatic SPFL campaign, one thing is clear: the VAR debate is far from over. And with voices like Kris Boyd leading the charge, Scottish football could be on the brink of significant changes that may reshape the way the game is officiated in the years to come.
For Rangers fans, however, the feeling remains that this season’s title race may be remembered as much for controversy as it is for football—and that is exactly what Boyd is determined to change.