GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 07: Referee John Beaton and Willie Collum during a cinch Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium, on April 07, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)
The man from the Crown Bar in Bellshill has a long and controversial history with the fixture.
Growing up in Motherwell it was widely known that he was a fan of Rangers.
When that club died he easily switched over to the Tribute Act launched by Charles Green in 2012.
Albion Rovers were one of the first clubs to suffer from the decision making of Beaton.
Leading 1-0 going into the latter stages of a Scottish Cup tie at Ibrox Beaton allowed Bilel Mohsni to man-handle the Rovers keeper while punching the ball into the net for an equaliser. Rovers lost the replay.
JOHN BEATON- A REFEREE WITH PLENTY OF HISTORY AND BAGGAGE
In 2024 Brendan Rodgers suffered a one match touchline ban for describing Beaton as incompetent.
That followed a VAR appointment where he pushed Don Robertson into sending off Yang Hyun-jun then awarded Hearts a ridiculous penalty.
As a reward for that Beaton refereed Celtic at Ibrox four weeks later before being back on VAR duty for the Scottish Cup Final.
Last season Beaton refereed the 22 Glasgow Derby at the start of March.
After missing the Dujon Sterling handball to deny Celtic a penalty he had no option but to give it after a lengthy VAR Review.
Beaton also missed Celtic penalties in the closing stages of the season at home and away against Motherwell. Both times VAR had to intervene.
Sunday’s VAR will be Nick Walsh. The lack of talent in SFA refereeing is highlighted by Walsh refereeing a Glasgow Derby one week then being on VAR duty the next.
Walsh spends his week, Monday to Friday working on the educational and physical education of Murray Park starlets at Boclair High School.
According to ‘Honest’ Willie Collum Scottish VAR officials don’t guess at VAR decisions. Collum is a long time friend of Beaton through the Lanarkshire Referee Association.
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