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SFA hand Celtic double dose of Madden and Beaton for critical SPFL matches

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Bobby Madden and John Beaton will referee Celtic’s next two SPFL matches. Beaton will be in charge for Sunday’s match at home to Hibs with Madden on duty at Tynecastle on Wednesday night.

Both refs are on the elite FIFA list but have been involved in major controversies over the last 12 months.

Last December Beaton allowed Alfredo Morelos off without any punishment during Celtic’s visit to Ibrox where Scott Brown, Tony Ralston and Ryan Christie were the subject of violent attacks.

When the SFA Compliance Officer took no action Celtic issued a statement calling for transparency about the issue. Last month at the club AGM Peter Lawwell revealed that the issue had been resolved during a secret meeting with the SFA. Beaton was in charge of Celtic’s Betfred Cup tie at home to Dunfermline earlier this season and the SPFL trip to Pittodrie.

In March Madden and three other match officials failed to spot Ryan Kent punch Scott Brown in the centre circle after James Forrest put Celtic 2-1 up in the Glasgow derby. The on-loan Liverpool starlet was given a two-match suspension from the SFA Compliance Officer.

This season Madden has only been in charge of six SPFL Premiership matches with three of his first four involving Steven Gerrard’s trophy hunters.

Kevin Clancy is expected to be in charge of the December 29 Glasgow derby..

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