What John Beaton said about Livingston’s penalty claim vs Rangers will stun Celtic fans

John Beaton is at it again as the SFA official causes more Rangers controversy the Celtic fans will find astounding.

Beaton has been responsible for a number of ‘dreadful’ decisions against Celtic over the years as well as officiating many that have benefitted Rangers.

As Celtic supporters already know, Beaton is a Rangers fan which makes his status as an impartial official compromised.

However, for some strange reason, the SFA still appoint Beaton to games involving both clubs and, this weekend, his latest howler has done him absolutley no favours.

Livingston coach Marvin Bartley reveals John Beaton’s ridiculous VAR excuse to leave Celtic fans in tears

Livingston were denied a clear penalty at Rangers in their 2-1 defeat at Ibrox at the weekend. John Beaton was the VAR official and what he said about the call will have Celtic fans rolling in the aisles.

Almondvale coach Marvin Bartley reveals all.

Bartley told Superscoreboard, “There are a lot of football fans that will agree (that it’s a handball) as well, if they have seen the incident. A lot of people will be alarmed that VAR didn’t intervene in this situation.

“When it happened in the game we were quite far away from it. Scott Pittman appeals for it, and he is one of the most honest footballers I know, and once he appealed for it we knew something was up.

“So we watched it back and for us, it’s a blatant penalty at the side of the pitch. We then speak to the fourth official and he says ‘oh, we are just going to play on.’

“So, the game players out. The gaffer goes out to do the press and I manage to speak to the officials after the game and I asked them about the incident.

“I just asked them ‘what was said to you guys?’ and they said ‘well, we were told the hand was in a natural position, and Fernandez was in close proximity to the ball when it was struck. So, there was nothing to be reviewed.’

Marvin Bartley hints at a possible red card for Rangers

Quite a stunning admission but not as stunning as another possible punishment Beaton let Rangers off the hook with.

Bartley continued, “Anyone who has played football will tell you that’s not a natural position for your left leg and your left arm to go up.

“The shot is definitely on target as well, so Jack Butland is going to have to pull off a save. And it’s a handball.

“It’s not just because I am a coach at Livingston I am saying this.

“If it happens against Livingston I’m going to tell you exactly the same thing.”

Indeed, if the shot is on target and a deliberate handball is given, a red card would have followed that as well.

So it seems that Rangers got lucky on two separate occasions in the same match involving Beaton once again.

What are the chances?