Rangers can’t be distracted by the two games that precede the Premier Sports Cup final against Celtic given how important every point in the league and progress in Europe are for the club.
They are also important for the future of Philippe Clement in terms of his position as manager, but his chances have been improved by the injury list reducing and the quality of the squad improving.
Rangers have though, learned who the officials will be for the Hampden clash against Celtic with Clement looking for his first Old Firm win and second trophy in charge of the Light Blues.
John Beaton already under pressure for Rangers vs Celtic final
With the choice of top-level referees sparce, the SFA have given the nod to John Beaton, who has been the man in the middle for more derbies than any current whistler, now that Willie Collum has hung up his cards.
Before the first whistle has even been blown, Beaton is already under more scrutiny than any other referee and comments last season from Brendan Rodgers make the appointment a questionable one.
”I never like to comment on officials,” said Rodgers after losing to Hearts last season. “But that cost us today, the officiating on-field, John Beaton being in VAR, that was really, really poor.
“That there is absolutely shocking decision-making and I feel really, really disappointed.
“You will probably have to ask John Beaton in VAR what he’s seeing, because if he’s seeing that dangerous play and he’s seeing the handball he’s probably seeing something different to everyone else. Unless you’re connected with Hearts of course. I just think they’re seeing a different game.”
The punishment, a paltry one match ban for a personal attack on a referee.
Only a matter of time before Chris Sutton fans Beaton conspiracy flames
Rodgers isn’t the only figure connected with Celtic who has been vocal in their criticism of Beaton.
Not only has he called him “Brother Beaton” on what was known as BT Sports, but Chris Sutton has also hinted that Beaton does Rangers a favour from time to time too:
“I’m looking forward to the big match,” Sutton said ahead of a derby in 2020.
“It’s all stacked in Rangers’ favour, the injuries to Celtic and Rangers, of course, have their favourite referee.”
He also once said in the same BT Sport debate to Ally McCoist, “What I would say about John Beaton is you don’t see a referee run to the away support and celebrate…,” after awarding Rangers a penalty against Hibs in 2021, via The Daily Record.
Now, can you imagine if this pressure being applied to a referee was the other way around?
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