Brendan Rodgers gives his view on top referee John Beaton
Soccer Football - Scottish Premiership - Rangers v Celtic - Ibrox, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain - September 3, 2023 Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
Brendan Rodgers has described John Beaton as one of Scotland’s top referees.
Last Sunday at Livingston the Irishman watched Celtic in action from the stand as a punishment for describing the Lanarkshire official as incompetent following Celtic’s 2-0 defeat to Hearts on March 3.
A Notice of Complaint was issued by the SFA with the Celtic boss handed a two match touchline ban with one game held over until the end of the season. On Sunday Beaton will take charge of the Glasgow Derby at Ibrox.
? LISTEN: “These games are for the top referees and I’ve always said John Beaton is one of the top referees in the country”.
? Brendan Rodgers is “comfortable” with John Beaton refereeing Celtic’s match with Rangers on Sunday as he believes he is one of the best in Scotland. pic.twitter.com/cuCLSPGcdm
— Clyde 1 Superscoreboard (@ClydeSSB) April 5, 2024
Celtic go into Sunday’s match in top spot in the SPFL Premiership but if they lose they could be trailing by five points on Wednesday night.
With just one round of fixtures to be played before the split Beaton is certain to be the centre of attention on Sunday as he takes charge of the third Glasgow Derby of the season.
Nick Walsh will have almost as vital a role in the VAR studio with the schoolteacher taking charge of the last clash between the clubs when Celtic won 2-0 in December.