John Beaton will referee Sunday’s match between Livingston and Celtic in the SPFL Premiership.
The Lanarkshire based official finished last season taking charge of the Scottish Cup Final which is generally regarded as a reward for the top referee over the season in the eyes of the SFA.
Beaton was at the centre of controversy at the start of January when he refused to award Celtic a penalty at Ibrox when a shot from Carl Starfelt was handled by Connor Goldson. Last October he sent Callum McGregor off in Celtic’s 2-1 home win over Motherwell.
Celtic go to Livingston as SPFL leaders and on the back of successive wins on their artificial surface after losing 1-0 in one of Ange Postecoglou’s first matches in charge, that defeat was the last time Celtic lost in the SPFL as they clinched the title by four points.
David Martindale’s side have made a steady start to the season with six points from five matches, most recently drawing 1-1 away to Ross County.
Steven McLean will be on VAR duty on Sunday with Craig Napier the fourth official in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
CLICK HERE for weekend refereeing appointments.
CLICK HERE for Beaton’s matches last season.
The game’s on Saturday
Gonna be a hard fought three points this one…
Livvy have a free week…
Martinjail Hates The Hoops – He’ll have Livvy pumped right up for this one –
The plastic pitch – Truly shames Scottish Football…
Beaton = Cheatin’ – Truly shames Scottish Football even more…
C’mon Celtic – Sicken each n’ every one of then please !
I would love for Celtic FC to deliver a pre Livingston statement saying that the club have no faith in referee Beaton and want him disqualified to officiate the league game ! Now , when the governing bodies threaten that would be breaking the rules , Celtic can counter by saying that the rules are there to be broken …. citing the Rangers -Cinch embarrassment as a prime example ….. let them squirm out of that one !
You have to give the sfa ten out of ten for effort! They’re trying!