Watch John Beaton’s special pre-match greeting with Greegsy and Tavpen

There seems to be a special bond, almost brotherly, between John Beaton and his mates Allan McGregor and James Tavernier.

For the third time since the turn of the year the Lanarkshire based official was in charge of Micky Beale’s side, even with the cameras of Viaplay Sport around Beaton greeted two of the home players as if they were drinking buddies from The Crown in Bellshill.

There was a much more standoffish approach when the Raith Rovers players appeared in the tunnel ahead of kick off in today’s Scottish Cup tie which the homeside won 3-0.

It is now more than 14 months since a penalty was awarded against the Ibrox club in the SPFL Premiership.

In contrast Celtic, with a better goal difference of plus 28 after 28 matches have conceded six penalties- all of them since VAR was introduced including one from Beaton when Fashio Sakala kicked Carl Starfelt during the 2-2 draw at Ibrox on January 2.