Scottish referees could throw their backing behind calls for VAR audio to be released should match fees be increased, according to a report.

It's claimed angry referees could support demands for behind-the-scenes audio of VAR decisions to be shared - just weeks on from Rangers' request for public access to the decision-making process in the match against Celtic.

The BBC reports referees could rally around the cause having been left dissatisfied by the support offered by the Scottish FA after recent flashpoints.

And it's claimed that referees have suggested they would be open to VAR audio being heard should they see their current £900-per-match fee increased at the same time.

It comes after an unnamed referee cllaimed that referees have been left feeling like an "afterthought" with a reliance on "goodwill from the referees".

The top-level referee - speaking after a Hampden meeting between referees and chiefs on Sunday - told BBC: “The leadership have no idea of the pressures we are under and they’re just not prepared to support us properly.

“We need more investment and better training.

“They rely on a lot of goodwill from the referees but they seriously fail to understand the pressures that come with the profile.

“VAR has only increased that and we sometimes feel like an afterthought.”

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One pivotal factor in the situation could come down to the payment structure for referees, with the SPFL currently paying officials every matchday.

And for VAR decisions to be made public, UEFA would have to grant permission to governing bodies.

A Scottish FA spokesperson said of the matter: “The Scottish FA will continue to support match officials in the face of intense and imbalanced media scrutiny, disproportionate criticism and wholly unacceptable abuse and intrusion.”

Rangers had complained over the decision not to award a penalty in the loss to Celtic when Alistair Johnston appeared to handle in the box.

Referee Nick Walsh awarded a goal kick with VAR official Willie Collum not calling for a review of the decision with no "clear and obvious" error spotted.

Broadcaster Sky Sports then displayed an image of an offside in the build-up to the flashpoint after it was shared from the VAR hub.

Rangers had made proposals to the Scottish FA regarding officiating after the incident but Hampden chiefs "immediately rejected" the requests.