OFFICIAL VAR IS BAD FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

Pressure grows for a review as study highlights pressure on footballers from off the pitch

- BY JOHN DINGWALL and MARK HOGARTH

FEARS have been raised over the mental health of Scots footballers after a shock study found VAR is causing them anxiety.

The new study reveals that football stars have reported feeling “anxious” and “timid” due to video referees monitoring their every move in the Scottish Premiership.

Researchers quizzed Scots topflight players, including four Scotland internationals, on the controversial technology and found that many feel they are being spied on.

One player said: “I remember my first game playing with it and being told by the referee that VAR was watching me.

“I feel like I'm constantly being watched and how close they are watching you. It just plays constantly in the back of your mind.”

Players also said the use of technology made them more nervous and less gallus on the pitch, while putting their mental health at risk.

They feel unable to express themselves freely at key moments, aware of the potential for decisions to be overturned.

The study, which protects players' anonymity, was conducted by Edinburgh Napier University. It warns of “increased anxiety linked to the awareness of VAR monitoring”.

Another player admitted: “When referees are telling you VAR is watching you it can make you feel on edge and you think about VAR when you tackle because some decisions have been very soft and some not given.”

Last night, there were renewed calls to review the use of VAR in Scottish football in light of the new findings.