Alonso lauds VAR after double denial

CELTIC would be going for a league and Scottish Cup double this afternoon had VAR been in use across the SWPL campaign, according to Parkhead women’s manager Fran Alonso.

The technology will be utilised in a Scottish women’s domestic game for the first time this afternoon at Hampden as Celtic and Rangers go head-to-head in the Scottish

Cup final.

Alonso has welcomed the move and also believes that it would have corrected two poor officiating decisions that proved to be crucial in the title run-in.

‘We were asked for our opinion and I was 100 per cent on board,’ he said. ‘I thought we were extremely unlucky in our last two games against Sunday’s opponents.

‘There was a clear penalty against Caitlin Hayes in the box during the 1-1 draw. VAR would have got it.

‘Then obviously a clear goal when nothing was wrong for an apparent free-kick. With VAR that was a goal that would have stood — and maybe we would be talking now about us trying to get the double.

‘For me, VAR is important. It is a help to the referee. Referees like coaches and players make mistakes— we are human.

‘Somebody with a computer who can have a look at it — you can still get it wrong because it’s run by humans — but I think it is extra-super for the referee.

‘For me, I would rather lose a game to a better opponent than lose or win a game when it has been a decision that was unfair.

‘The best leagues, including the women’s Champions League, have got it. With time, we will have it as well. It is a one-off for the final because of cost implications. Maybe in a few years’ time it will be normal in many women’s games.’

Alonso and Malky Thomson both need to rouse their players after Glasgow City emerged from a dramatic climax to the SWPL campaign with the title.

‘We were all disappointed at the end that we couldn’t do it but everyone is proud that we controlled what we could control, and the amazing attendance at Celtic Park,’ said Alonso.

‘Not only that, but the way the 15,000 supported the team.

‘I’ve been in much bigger crowds in my time in the men’s Premier League but I don’t remember an atmosphere in a stadium as good as the one we experienced.’