The new SPFL season got off to a predictable start with honest mistakes deciding the matches involving the two major Glasgow clubs.
With trusted referees John Beaton and Bobby Madden put in charge the match officials delivered the expected results.
The two images below highlight the way that refereeing works in Scotland- and why the authorities have resisted VAR three years after it was introduced across major European leagues.
There will be no let up on @ScottishFA ref corruption and honest mistakes as sevco need the automatic Champions League place next season. Day 1 has been a resounding success for them. pic.twitter.com/vq7Ou9sWyM
— Ronnie O’Connor (@__lippylipez__) August 1, 2021
Time for every single Celtic fan, supporters groups and all at @CelticFC to stand up to the corruption in our game. These are not “honest mistakes” it is well known Bobby Madden and John Beaton are rangers fans for them both to be given these opening matches is no coincidence https://t.co/D0zqjKDHy6 pic.twitter.com/cxP56b0uOT
— Michael McCahill ? (@MickMcCahill) August 1, 2021
In the Ibrox match Beaton and his assistant have the benefits of a dead-ball to assist their decision making. Livingston held a strong line but there isn’t much you can do when two match officials chose not to apply the laws of the game.
At Tynecastle Madden was reunited with his Covidiot Dream Team of David Roome and Graeme Stewart who officiated in Athens last season.
On return Roome tested positive. Despite being a close contact Stewart turned up for a match at Easter Road while it took the last minute intervention of The Sun to get Madden replaced on route to Ross County v Celtic.
Stewart’s decision making was again at fault as he flagged for offside in a move that led to Celtic putting the ball in the net. Earlier Madden has ignored an attempt at breaking Callum McGregor’s by his Open Goal co-host Andy Halliday.
There has been no comment from Celtic on the quality of the match officials at Tynecastle yesterday.