Kenny Dalglish reckons the Scottish Premiership title race is making the case for VAR in the top flight.
SPFL clubs are set to decide on whether they want the controversial video assistance for referees next season.
It follows a number of high-profile refereeing decisions sparking anger from fans and pundits in Rangers and Celtic battle at the top of the table.
Former Parkhead boss Dalglish reckons the clubs must find the cash as the margin for error is so narrow in the league.
He believes the system could be brought in this season to help avoid some of the scrutiny facing referees.
Writing in The Sunday Pos t, Dalglish said: "We have a great fight going on for the title between Rangers and Celtic.
"There is an interesting situation developing between Hearts, Motherwell and Hibs for that third and fourth-place finish, and with it European football next season. At the other end of the table, there is a real scrap between five clubs to avoid relegation.
"When it is so tight, that causes tension, which means every refereeing decision is put under the microscope.
"That’s why I wish we already had VAR in place. We don’t, but we need to find a way to make sure it’s introduced for the start of the new season.
"Our referees want it, and most people are in agreement that our game needs it. As I’ve always said, VAR isn’t there to embarrass the officials or make them look incompetent. It is there to provide help in the hope that the correct decision will be reached.
"Even with VAR in operation, many decisions still come down to opinion. Very few are factual. But having that evidence to work with can make the whole process so much better.
"Nothing will ever totally eliminate human error, and wrong calls will still be made. But we need to offer help to our whistlers where possible.
"Next month, all 42 SPFL clubs will vote on its implementation for the start of next season. But if it’s possible, I’d bring it in for selected games this season to try to move things along.
"It’s expensive to install, but Scottish football will find a way to finance it. Put it this way, I don’t think it’s an option not to find the money for it."
