Celtic overcame a typical performance from John Beaton to BEAT Kilmarnock 1-0 to go four points clear at the top of the SPFL Premiership.
It was another off colour performance from Celtic but the appliance of the Laws of The Game aren’t dependent on form.
For the fourth time in seven months Beaton required to be prompted by VAR to award Celtic a penalty.
It is an incredible record for the man from the Crown Bar in Bellshill who has been getting top Scottish fixtures for over a decade.
In March 2024 Brendan Rodgers was given a one match touchline ban for calling Beaton incompetent following a VAR appointment at Tynecastle.
During over five years as CEO Michael Nicholson has never once commented on or criticised Scottish match officials.
JOHN BEATON- A PATTERN TO DECISIONS IN CELTIC MATCHES
In the 73rd minute Aaron Tshibola raised his arm to block a shot from Callum McGregor. Throughout the incident the Kilmarnock player was inside the penalty box.
Beaton decided to award Celtic a free kick outside the penalty area. Fortunately Grant Irvine on VAR was able to correct that decision. Ben Nygren’s penalty was saved.
Kasper Høgh goal chalked off by John Beaton through VAR for a foul in buildup. Greg Kiltie elbowed Mika Baur on the chest & studded him on foot. Then minimal contact by Baur on Kiltie (less force than Kiltie).
https://t.co/jYjXJO5Zsc— The Global Tablet of Jurisprudence (@gtj1247) November 8, 2026
Beaton has plenty of previous for not awarding Celtic penalties.
MARCH 1 AT IBROX
Daizen Maeda’s close range header was deflected on to Jack Butland by the arm of Dujon Sterling. Beaton missed the handball, after a lengthy pitchside VAR check he awarded Celtic a penalty.
After having his first two efforts blocked Reo Hatate scored with his third attempt.
MARCH 14, CELTIC V MOTHERWELL
It is a quick return to Celtic matches for Beaton.
Again he misses Emmanuel Longelo wiping out Daizen Maeda at the back post as the Celtic forward prepared to tap the ball into the net.
Following another lengthy VAR Review Beaton awards Celtic a penalty with Longelo red carded.
MAY 13, MOTHERWELL V CELTIC
Sam Nicholson elbows Auston Trusty on the cheek then puts his hand in front of his forehead to knock the ball out of play. Beaton awarded Motherwell a throw-in.
Fortunately VAR intervened, after a quick review Beaton awards Celtic a stoppage time penalty. Kelechi Iheanacho scores to give Celtic a vital win.
In four of his last five Celtic matches Beaton has required VAR to award Celtic a penalty.
In his other Celtic appointment he refused to send off Manny Ferenandez when on a yellow card for a 15th minute foul on Nygren. Most referees would have red carded Fernandez for his earlier foul on Camilo Duran.
Big shout from the crowd for a Celtic penalty for handball. Looks a clear penalty to me – Killie defender slips his hand down & out to stop it from going into the danger area
https://t.co/xCwYuIfG3q
— The Global Tablet of Jurisprudence (@gtj1247) November 8, 2026
