After the travesty of Tynecastle Celtic fans were delighted to hear Brendan Rodgers call out the decisions made and in particular the role of John Beaton.
Since the Bellshill based official denied Albion Rovers a Scottish Cup win at Ibrox in 2014 the spotlight has been on Beaton as he was fast tracked up the refereeing ladder thanks to the influence of Hugh Dallas from the Lanarkshire Refereeing Association.
In December 2018 he turned in an incredible performance at Ibrox with Alfredo Morelos escaping punishment for a variety of attacks on Tony Ralston, Ryan Christie and Scott Brown.
After six days of anger on social media Peter Lawwell was shamed into issuing the traditional ‘surprised and disappointed’ statement while appealing for transparency from the SFA.
Following tea and biscuits with Ian Maxwell at Hampden and a reminder of events from July 2012 the Celtic CEO dropped all interest in accountability with Beaton refereeing the 2020 and 2023 Scottish Cup Finals.
? LISTEN: “I find the sending off incredible… the second one is worse!”
“That today was awful officiating in what was a big game for us.”
? Brendan Rodgers believes refereeing decisions cost his Celtic side in their 2-0 loss against Hearts. pic.twitter.com/JLJZJDXIjZ
— Clyde 1 Superscoreboard (@ClydeSSB) March 3, 2024
After the comments from Rodgers the big question is what happens next?
Will the SFA hand the Celtic boss a disrepute charge, will Michael Nicholson finally show face and back his manager or will media messengers be briefed about the club expressing their concerns and given reassurances from the SFA.
With no midweek match it will be a difficult issue for Celtic and the SFA to bury with fans highlighting numerous discrepancies from Beaton who seems to conjure up a different interpretation of the handball rule depending on the colour of shirt on the arm.
Despite 18 months of using VAR no Scottish officials are expected to be involved at the 2024 European Championships in Germany.
Well said Brendan! Shameless bias from Beaton to do his team a turn! How long must this cheating and bias go on before something is done?!
— The BhoyW (@BigTfromHalfway) March 3, 2024
A bizarre day all round, had my worries about today before kick off, panned out that way but didnt expect such an awful re-reffing of the game to help the home side. All in all, nothing lost, nothing gained and a tough away fixture out of the way.
— Jamie Whiteford (@Seumasabhein) March 3, 2024
Disgraceful officiating today: Celtic’s penalty was never a penalty; the red card was never a red card; and Hearts’ penalty was never a penalty.
— Paul Doc (@PaulDoc13) March 3, 2024
Never a red card and never a penalty, not hard to grasp. The level of refereeing in this country is absolutely abysmal and it makes our league look like a joke.
— Max (@Max____67) March 3, 2024
Well said Brendan, about time Celtic called this out, blatant cheating
— Kevbhoy (@KevinMoon913199) March 3, 2024
They don’t even hide it anymore ? corruption is everywhere. This looks in charge know they can get away with anything they want and most people are too feeble to do anything about it.
— Damo (@damoceltic84) March 3, 2024
I hope and pray that BR is charged …and that he then tells them to feck off and refuses to attend any meeting which they will request…This is the best opportunity we have ever had to nail this cheating bastard and we must take it…No more Mr. Nice Guys.
Guess Maxwell will be in the Hampden bunker,
ignoring the BR comments?
And the poor standard of match officiating is only going to get
even worse – as we near the end of the season.
And our lawyer, CEO still refuses to publicly defend the club?
The other thing that got me yesterday was the length of time it took VAR to decide the Shankland offside in the first half
More than 2and a half minutes.
As it took an age I fully expected the lines to be practically touching , as it was there was clear daylight between the two lines,so why did it take 2 and a half minutes.
We’re they trying to manipulate them or were they away for a piss (rather than taking it)
They were taking it – All day long – Just as they’ve done all season long – and every decade long !
Celtic should demand a replay and if they don’t get it take it all the way to the courts for blatant cheating
You will have noticed that the sending off had the complete agreement from BBC Sportsound alleged neutrals , big Dick Gordon and the Uber fast to decide – Alan Preston ? Those two sympathised with the officials and actually made a case for them to be knighted ,almost in the process . ! Like I’ve stated previously ,there is a battle for the title for Celtic FC ..on and OFF the field of play . After yesterday’s performances by the match officials ,it is quite apparent to me at least ,that the battle can’t be won off the field and it’s already a done deal as to who they have picked as champions !
If we’re all waiting on the Celtic board we’ll be waiting a while.
5 way agreement halts all our Boards protest not that Peter even seen it.