GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 01: Celtic Manager Martin O'Neill (L) and Referee John Beaton (R) shake hands at full time during a William Hill Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium, on March 01, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Foy/SNS Group via Getty Images)
The SFA has released edited coverage of the worst moments in the life of John Beaton.
To his school chums Beaton was just another crazy Rangers fan.
He loved the club and everyone that he knew was well aware of it.
Alas before he could reach the top level in refereeing Rangers died.
Pushed into administration then liquidation by Prince Andrew’s Mother due to unpaid Income Tax and National Insurance.
A vile club that put throwing money into offshore Trusts for mercenary players ahead of their patriotic duty.
Schools, hospitals and nurseries all suffered. Every area of society was a loser as 276 creditors went unpaid by the club that Beaton loved. A selfish club without any morals or responsibilities.
THE LIVING NIGHTMARE OF JOHN BEATON
Beaton continued with a lucrative second income source in refereeing but the other rewards were thin.
Sure Albion Rovers were on the end of a travesty of justice at Ibrox in 2014. There was a mighty celebration in the Crown Bar in December 2018 after an incredible display of generosity to Alfredo Morelos. But barely a party worthy of the gory days under Eck and Sir Walter.
On March 1 Beaton’s good friend Willie Collum put him in charge of Celtic’s visit to Ibrox.
A first half penalty box rugby challenge on Liam Scales went unpunished. Wrong end for that sort of thing.
In the 81st minute there was a prolonged pull on Seb Tounekti’s shirt by Dujon Sterling followed up with a foul and push off the pitch.
Again, nothing to see here for the man from the Crown Bar. He could count on Steven McLean not to step in. Both men share many interests, a couple in particular.
WHEN TIME STOOD STILL IBROX
With two minutes left to play James Forrest slung in an inviting cross from the right.
Three bodies went for the ball six yards from goal.
Naturally Beaton saw nothing untoward but alongside McLean in the VAR room was Kevin Clancy. Slightly less conflicted that his superior. Clancy no longer gets appointed for the Glasgow Derby, his career is on the slide. Even by Scottish standards.
REFEREE: I’ve got no idea what they are asking, I’ve got absolutely no idea what they are checking.
VAR: Right John, it is Steven, I’m going to recommend an on-field review.
And with that Beaton’s heart sank. Lower than shafting 276 creditors, knowing the reaction at the Crown Bar. That Celtic were a penalty kick away from taking a point from a match that could have been over by half-time.
There was no way out of this one. In the 88th minute a clear handball four yards from goal.
Beaton delayed and delayed but had to walk back onto the pitch.
Super Jack Butland saved twice but the ball finished up in the net.
Final score 2-2 with Martin O’Neill and his team still hanging on in the race for the SPFL Premiership title.
I’m assuming this other one in the Rangers v Celtic match recently, where Scales is held for longer and wrestled to the ground at a corner is also a penalty that was set aside by the VAR team? https://t.co/RBR4FZdRv0 pic.twitter.com/EY4fsTXlQE
— Lint (@Zeshankenzo) March 21, 2026
Beaton will have the champagne on ice ready for his team’s title party in two months…
Lucan’s strategy has seen to that today !