The SFA have been forced into explaining their disciplinary procedures after 13 days of criticism from social media.
John Beaton’s refusal to send off, or even speak to or caution, Alfredo Morelos in the Glasgow derby has been highlighted online with the SFA circling the wagons.
Last week as they briefed favored media outlets about the Morelos decision it was claimed that the referee viewed the incidents and had no wish to change his mind. A week later the Daily Record claimed that Beaton hadn’t been given the chance to review the incidents or change his mind.
In-between times Celtic requested that Beaton’s match report is published while also requesting a meeting with SFA chief Ian Maxwell and referee supremo John Fleming. No reply has yet been published.
The SFA statement summarised:
We are committed to enforcing the highest standards of behaviour and professionalism across the Scottish game.
It is our responsibility to protect match officials and the integrity of the Laws of the Game and apply our disciplinary rules with fairness and consistency.Â
Refereeing standards have been torn apart this season ever since the decision was taken to downgrade the red card that Morelos got on the opening day for kicking out at Aberdeen’s Scott McKenna.
That was quickly followed by Allan McGregor escaping retrospective punishment in successive games.
Three times this season players have been given retrospective suspensions following incidents against Celtic, in October McKenna of Aberdeen was suspended for an assault on Odsonne Edouard that was viewed by Bobby Madden.
With Madden and Beaton on the FIFA list they will continue to get the high profile matches alongside their Lanarkshire colleagues Andrew Dallas and Willie Collum.