Rangers will face off against their rivals in the Old Firm derby this upcoming weekend. Gers fans were made aware of John Beaton’s appointment as the game’s referee via a tweet sent out by Raman Bhardwaj.
This news troubled Gers fans greatly, with many sharing their concerns over the referee’s ability to handle the match. This is the first time the referee will have taken control of the famous fixture since December 2018, where he received criticism for not sending Alfredo Morelos off during the Gers’ 1-0 win.
Despite Celtic suggesting that Beaton did them an injustice in this match, many Gers fans believe he shows negative bias against them as well.
Here’s what fans had to say about the appointment:
Ah Cheatin’ Beaton… one of Peter and the @ScottishFA best plants. What a surprise. Not.
— Whitey (@garethawhite) March 10, 2020
Cheatin Beaton, says it all tbf. Can’t give decisions for Rangers as he’s classed as a Mason. If he doesn’t give Celtic anything, it’s the same thing.
He can’t win, infact, no ref can. IMO, they should bringing in foreign refs. Tims think the refs are against them aswell
— Slove (@Slove1986) March 10, 2020
Cheating beaton.2 pens to Celtic and morelos sent off
— Paul gillespie (@PaulDamage69) March 10, 2020
May aswell not turn up if cheaton Beaton is the ref. Morelos will be sent off before he even gets out the tunnel
— GraemeJ?? (@graemej8771) March 10, 2020
— Colin Rice (@colinrice11) March 10, 2020
Should get a top referee In from PL to do it.
— Andy Ferguson (@fergiemourinho) March 10, 2020
Which one was the worst refereeing performance?John Beaton - (Hibs 2017)
Kevin Clancy - (Celtic 2019)
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What do we think?
In 34 matches refereed during Celtic games, Beaton has awarded the Hoops 10 penalties. And while he has brandished just 41 yellow cards against Celtic players, their opponents have been shown yellows 69 times.
Rangers, however, have been awarded five penalties in 27 games when Beaton has been in charge. While the Gers have been handed 46 yellow cards by Beaton themselves, their opposition have been given 76.
It appears that, over time, Beaton hasn’t really favoured one team over another. Perhaps both teams should focus on what they can control, by being the best football team on the day.