NafisaThe Scottish FA’s latest refereeing announcement has sparked fresh controversy among Rangers supporters just 24 hours after the explosive Old Firm clash at Celtic Park.
Following Celtic’s dramatic 3-1 victory over Rangers on Sunday, a match already surrounded by huge debate over two major officiating decisions, the SFA have now confirmed that John Beaton will take charge of Celtic’s massive midweek Premiership encounter against Motherwell.
The decision has immediately raised eyebrows across social media, especially among furious Rangers fans who already believed key moments from the derby heavily favoured Martin O’Neill’s side in the title race.
During Sunday’s clash at Parkhead, Rangers supporters were left raging over Celtic’s equalising goal, which survived a lengthy VAR review despite claims Benjamin Nygren was interfering with Jack Butland from an offside position.
Then came the Alistair Johnston challenge on Mikey Moore, another flashpoint that caused outrage after the Celtic defender escaped with only a yellow card despite calls for a straight red.
Both incidents were overseen by VAR official John Beaton.
Now, less than 24 hours later, the SFA have officially appointed Beaton as the referee for Celtic’s crucial trip to Fir Park on Wednesday night.
For many Rangers supporters, that timing has only intensified accusations that Celtic are receiving favourable treatment during the closing weeks of the title race.
The SFA confirmed Beaton will referee the match alongside assistant referees David McGeachie and Jonathan Bell, while Andrew Dallas will oversee VAR duties together with Sean Carr from Clydesdale House.
The announcement immediately became a major talking point online.
Some Rangers fans pointed towards the derby controversy and questioned why Beaton was being handed another key Celtic fixture so quickly after such a heavily debated Old Firm performance.
Others claimed the appointment only adds more fuel to ongoing frustrations surrounding Scottish officiating and VAR consistency this season.
Celtic supporters, meanwhile, dismissed the outrage completely and argued that Rangers were simply looking for excuses after collapsing from a winning position at Parkhead.
Danny Rohl’s side had taken an early lead through Mikey Moore before Celtic completely turned the game around thanks to goals from Yang Hyun-jun and a stunning Daizen Maeda brace.
The defeat effectively ended Rangers’ fading title hopes while breathing fresh life into Celtic’s pursuit of Hearts at the top of the table.
Still, the reaction to Beaton’s appointment has refused to die down.
With the title race now entering its final decisive days, every refereeing call is being placed under the microscope more than ever before.
Celtic know victory over Motherwell would keep enormous pressure on Hearts heading into the final weekend of the campaign, potentially setting up a dramatic title showdown at Celtic Park next Saturday.
But after the fallout from the Old Firm derby and now this latest SFA announcement, many Rangers supporters are convinced the controversy surrounding officiating decisions is only getting louder.
Nafisa
