Motherwell: Stuart Kettlewell says dad ‘not going back’ to a game until VAR changes

Stuart Kettlewell, manager of Motherwell, claims that his own father has stopped going to football games because of VAR.

Following their league loss to Aberdeen last Saturday, the Premiership team wrote to the Scottish FA to request clarity on the handball rule.

It was only one of several video-assisted decisions that have sparked controversy among players, clubs, and supporters.

According to Kettlwell, “I think the people we’ve forgotten about here are the supporters,” BBC Sportsound.

“I had a little one with my dad, who calls me every Sunday following a football game. He has been with me for thirty-two years; he saw every game when I played football at the grassroots level and later became a manager, coach, and player.

“He told me over the phone on Sunday morning that he would not be returning to a Premiership match until something changed. That is obviously personal and close to me.”

Last week, it was revealed that Crawford Allan, Scotland’s head of referees, would step down at the end of the season as the Scottish FA reviews the position in light of the current VAR scandals.

Regarding his own father, Kettlewell remarked, “He’s just tired of it.” “He is a passionate football fan who follows the game at all levels. However, he is tired of the idea that after scoring a goal, the emotion is gone and we have to watch it again for five minutes to analyse it and find something. I believe this is how most football fans in this country feel.

“You know what? In our country, we have a strong sense of passion for the game and enjoy strong support and following. However, there are other people outside of my father who feel and think similarly.”