FORMER top Scots referee Stuart Dougal believes the compliance officer should only be used sparingly with on-field whistlers remaining in charge.

The man in black insists he is in favour of retrospective action in certain circumstances including violent conduct and where players attempt to "deceive" the referee. 

But while Dougal – who refereed big games including Old Firm derbies and European ties during his 25-year career – reckons there are times refs do need help, he is adamant their decisions on the pitch in the heat of the action must be considered law and only reviewed in the case of serious misjudgements.

Asked about his thoughts on the role of the compliance officer in Scottish football and the benefits, Dougal said: "I think there's an element of assistance there because, generally, players should know that if they're going to try to deceive a referee then there is somebody who is going to analyse their actions and retrospectively, potentially, have them suspended. I do think that's a positive.

"Whether it's the way it's brought in to play, I'm still a great believer in that I understand the laws of the game still exist. The referee and his decision where he has had a clear view of the situation and doesn't think a mistake has been made, that decision should be allowed to stand. But it is helpful that acts of violence or acts outwith the vision of a referee can be picked up and the perpetrator punished."

It comes in the wake of Rangers striker Kemar Roofe being hauled in front of an SFA panel for a high challenge on St Johnstone's Murray Davidson and Albian Ajeti of Celtic being handed a two-match ban for "diving" against Kilmarnock – which the Hoops successfully appealed. Light Blues star Alfredo Morelos was also handed a three-match ban for a stamp on Hibs defender Ryan Porteous.

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Dougal also discussed VAR which remains a controversial subject around the globe, especially down south in the Premier League, on a weekly basis.

The retired ref believes the video assistant often takes the fun out the game, with the software cancelling out goals more often than allowing them, even if an offside decision is marginal, to say the least. Though he accepts there are benefits, too.

"We all know VAR is not perfect," he added. 

"And I did say way back when we were talking about it, 'Be careful what you wish for', because sometimes it's better to live with the referee's mistakes every now and again as opposed to the game being stopped as many times as it is when we watch in England, and how marginal some of these decisions are.

"It's disallowing goals more than allowing because the game is all about goals and entertainment. So if we could bring it in about acts of violence and serious foul play and misconduct, clear and obvious errors, great. But when we're taking it to the end degree I do think we're wasting it for fans, players and even officials.

"Having said all of that, there's an excellent opportunity to immediately address a situation which may have been called wrong."

Dougal was in conversation with Football Pass UK.