Celtic hero John Hartson has slammed Scottish referees, claiming they should be "punished" for their mistakes.

It comes after continued issues with how VAR is being used in Scotland, despite the technology being in place for six months.

Hartson highlighted St Mirren forward Curtis Main's dive against Dundee United as a recent example of problems with the officials.

And Hartson feels harsh penalties should be put on those in charge who make mistakes.

Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show, he said: "I think the more important issue is there has be retrospective action against referees who make serious errors of judgement.

"Curtis Main's dive against Dundee United (for example) that could cost Dundee United, who are fighting for their lives by the way. There has got to be a punishment.

"If I got and toppled somebody on a Saturday, and I get sent off all of a sudden it's three games, it's lambasted and there is a fine.

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"There is a punishment against me. I've done wrong and I have to hold my hands up after a bad tackle.

"Referees get things wrong, and all of a sudden they are back in work next week. They have to take action, and maybe if they did they would think twice about doing the job more professionally, because they realise they won't get paid for three weeks.

"I don't know if you have to ship all 10 or 12 referees in Scotland out and bring new ones in.

"I think that it's going to be very difficult to change the standard of refereeing. I think that's difficult."

Glasgow Times:

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