Vanishing spray to be used in Scottish Cup matches

Referees Don Robertson (left) and John Beaton are on hand to demonstrate the use of Vanishing Spray. Picture: SNS

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VANISHING spray is to be used in Scotland for the first time during this weekend’s Scottish Cup matches.

The Scottish FA will introduce the spray during this weekend’s eight fifth round ties, before rolling it out across the rest of the country’s senior leagues and cup competitions.

Whistlers use the spray to help mark the required distance of 10 yards between the ball and opposition players in a set piece scenario. It was first used during the FIFA World Cup in Brazil last year, and is now used in 13 countries around Europe.

John Beaton will be the first official to use the spray in a domestic match in Scotland when he takes charge of the William Hill Scottish Cup fifth round clash between Dundee and Celtic at Dens Park on Saturday at 12.30pm.

Scottish football’s governing body will then introduce the spray to the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL), Highland League and Lowland League, as well as the promotion / relegation play-offs.

It was also be used in the Scottish Challenge Cup and the Scottish League Cup, the Scottish FA confirmed.

Scotland’s elite referees trialled the spray during a recent winter training camp in Spain, ahead of its introduction for the second half of the season.

John Fleming, Head of Referee Operations, said: “Vanishing spray is a simple yet effective tool which will aid our referees in their management of set piece situations.

“Based on the current application and widespread use around the world, vanishing spray will undoubtedly enhance the reputation of our game.

“We are pleased to be able to roll the spray out across our senior leagues and cup competitions and look forward to seeing the benefits from this weekend in the William Hill Scottish Cup fifth round.”