Scottish FA VAR review show to air on Sky Sports in 2025/26

Introduction to the Scottish FA VAR Review show

Starting from the 2025/26 Scottish football season, fans will gain unprecedented insight into match officiating with the launch of the Scottish FA VAR Review show on Sky Sports Football. This monthly programme offers a detailed examination of key refereeing decisions, demystifying the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system for viewers across the UK.

Hosted by respected broadcaster Gordon Duncan, the show features Scottish FA head of refereeing Willie Collum who breaks down pivotal moments from fixtures throughout the Scottish Premiership and other domestic competitions. This initiative represents a significant step towards transparency and fan engagement within Scottish football.

What the VAR review show brings to Scottish football fans

The VAR Review show aims to provide an in-depth understanding of how decisions are made behind the scenes. Each episode will explore controversial or game-changing calls, explaining the rationale and protocols followed by officials in the VAR room. For example, viewers can expect detailed analysis of offsides, penalty awards, and red card incidents.

By airing monthly on Sky Sports Football, the show aligns with live coverage of Scottish Premiership matches, enhancing the viewing experience. This transparency helps build trust between fans, players, and officials, ultimately supporting the integrity of the game.

Insight from Willie Collum and expert commentary

Willie Collum, a well-known figure in Scottish refereeing, brings expert insight to the programme. His explanations of VAR decisions offer clarity on often complex rules and their application during fast-paced matches. Collum's presence ensures authoritative commentary, backed by years of officiating at the highest levels.

Alongside host Gordon Duncan, the show also features discussions about how VAR technology has evolved and its impact on the game, addressing common fan questions and misconceptions.

Sky Sports’ commitment to Scottish football transparency

Gary Hughes, Sky Sports director of football, highlighted the broadcaster's enthusiasm for the new show: "As the home of Scottish Football, we're delighted to bring this innovative, behind-the-scenes programme to viewers. It offers a unique look into the VAR process and the key decisions that shape matches."

Sky Sports’ comprehensive Scottish Premiership coverage now includes this fresh content, reinforcing their role as a leading platform for Scottish football fans. Moreover, viewers without traditional Sky subscriptions can access live matches and related content via the Sky Sports app, allowing greater flexibility.

Growing fan engagement through transparency

The initiative also reflects the Scottish FA’s commitment to openness, with commercial director Brendan Napier stating the programme "brings unprecedented levels of access" to officiating. By giving fans direct insight from the head of refereeing, the show aims to educate and engage supporters in a constructive dialogue around VAR decisions.

How VAR has shaped the Scottish Premiership

Since VAR’s introduction in Scottish football, it has been a game-changer in reducing clear errors and improving fairness in crucial moments. However, VAR has also faced criticism for disrupting game flow or perceived inconsistencies. The VAR Review show addresses these issues head-on by explaining the decision-making framework and showing real examples.

For instance, during the 2024/25 season, VAR was pivotal in several high-profile matches, such as the Rangers vs Celtic derby where a contentious penalty was overturned after consultation. Shows like this help fans understand why such decisions were made under the rules.

Examples of VAR impact in recent seasons

• Penalty reversals that altered match outcomes
• Offside calls deciding title races
• Red card reviews preventing unjust dismissals

These examples highlight the importance of VAR and the value of analysing these decisions in an accessible format.

Looking ahead: the future of VAR communication

The Scottish FA aims to evolve how refereeing decisions are communicated to the public. The VAR Review show is a pioneering step, but there are plans to expand educational content and increase real-time transparency during matches.

By partnering with Sky Sports, the Scottish FA is leveraging a popular platform to reach a wider audience, helping to normalise VAR and reduce frustration among supporters.

Conclusion: A new era for Scottish football fans

The launch of the Scottish FA VAR Review show on Sky Sports Football is a major development for Scottish football broadcasting. It offers fans a chance to look behind the curtain and understand the complexities of refereeing decisions with expert analysis from Willie Collum and engaging presentation by Gordon Duncan.

This transparency promises to enhance fan experience, foster trust in officiating, and promote informed discussions around VAR’s role in the game. With monthly episodes throughout the 2025/26 season, Scottish football supporters have much to look forward to.

For those eager to follow live Scottish Premiership action alongside expert VAR analysis, Sky Sports Football remains the go-to channel. Discover more about the latest fixtures and live coverage to enhance your football season experience.