Not for the first time this season John Beaton dominated the after-match headlines as Celtic beat Dundee United in the Scottish Cup.
Before Christmas the Lanarkshire based referee awarded late penalties against Aberdeen and Hibs that provided the Tribute Act with a draw against Aberdeen and a win away to Hibs.
Although hardly game changing his interpretation of similar incidents yet different outcomes to blocking incidents involving Lewis Ferguson and Kemar Roofe from a recent match at Ibrox was widely shared on social media.
Last night the charges against Beaton were far more serious. Either he doesn’t know the rules or he decided to disallow a goal simply because he wanted to.
Despite a wave of criticism on social media the SFA and their media experts haven’t sent any apologist out to defend the Lanarkshire based referee.
Stephen Craigan won’t top any pundit popularity poll but straight away he highlighted the issue on Premier Sports last night. A co-commentator was better versed on the rules of the game than one of the leading Scottish referees.
On Saturday Beaton will be the fourth official at the St Johnstone v Motherwell Premiership match.
If Beaton had adhered to the laws of the game then Maeda’ goal should have stood. pic.twitter.com/KckG3zIv71
— Matt McGlone (@MattMcGlone9) March 14, 2022
@kennymacsport here Kenny, so you know the disallowed goal that didn’t warrant any discussion should have stood. Contrast with the post-mortem on Hatate’s non red card. Which was actually the correct decision.
— CG44 (@Ticketustastic) March 14, 2022
It’s either bias or incompetence.
— Davie Hardie (@davidhardie65) March 14, 2022
It’s nothing to do with the laws ??????
— APB (@APB173) March 14, 2022
Totally agree, Matt.
— Brian McNally (@McNallyMirror) March 15, 2022
Beaton only one year behind tonight – normally Scottish referees are 332 years behind.
— LombardiaNumeroQuattro (@Lothianno4) March 14, 2022
I honestly think he probably didn’t know the rule. Shocking
— brian2259 (@BJW2259) March 14, 2022
— Alfie Spangles (@AlfieSpangles) March 15, 2022
Shocking decision but not surprised.
— MicGal (@micgal56) March 14, 2022
He failed to give a blatant penalty as well at 2-0
— chivs (@CHIVS105) March 14, 2022
Once again another honest mistake Matt.
— Clarkstonbuoy (@clarkstonbuoy) March 15, 2022
Disallowed because Beaton knows the games is over at 2 nil
— Oz (@Oz18902352) March 14, 2022
Yes he should’ve known the rules and let the goal stand as the commentators knew.
But how many of you actually knew the rule before it was highlighted??
That’s hardly the point Stev,we don’t get paid £1000 a game to know the rules & apply them without fear or favour,Liam
The shape of things to come.
Imagine a ref with a deep glove for Man Utd in charge of a Man City game…even typing that is weird so how the Fk can a lodge leaning official take charge of a Celtic game??
Strange, only in Scotland!