CELTIC F.C VS RANGERS FC REFEREE ‘BANNED’ FROM OFFICIATING AS SPFL RELEASE INVESTIGATION FINDINGS

Scottish football has been plunged into major controversy after the Scottish Professional Football League SPFL issued a forceful statement confirming that referee John Beaton will no longer officiate matches involving Celtic F.C. or Rangers F.C. following the explosive 2 to 2 draw at Ibrox.

The highly Old Firm clash between Celtic F.C. and Rangers F.C. was already one of the most significant fixtures of the season, with title implications and fierce rivalry adding to the intensity. However, what unfolded on the pitch was quickly overshadowed by controversy surrounding key penalty decisions that left supporters, pundits and officials deeply divided.

The match itself delivered drama from start to finish.

Rangers raced into a 2–0 lead through a spectacular overhead kick and composed finish by Youssef Chermiti before Celtic rallied in the second half.

A late VAR-reviewed penalty awarded to Celtic for what officials ruled was a handball deep in stoppage time allowed Reo Hatate to score from the spot equalising at 2–2 after converting on his third attempt following two saves by Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland. 

However, the late penalty decision proved the flashpoint. Replays showed Rangers defender **Dujon Sterling’s arm making contact with the ball inside the penalty area following a header by Daizen Maeda, leading to a VAR referral and the award of the penalty.

Critics immediately took to social media and pundit platforms, with some arguing the ball made contact under natural motion and should not have resulted in a spot kick.  

On Monday afternoon, the Scottish Professional Football League confirmed that it had undertaken a comprehensive review of the officiating performance. The league examined referee reports, VAR communications and relevant match protocols before reaching its conclusion.

In a strongly worded public statement, the SPFL announced decisive action.

The statement read:

“The Scottish Professional Football League has concluded its comprehensive review into the officiating performance during the recent fixture between Celtic F.C. and Rangers F.C. at Ibrox.

Following a full assessment of match reports, VAR communications and referee performance protocols, the SPFL confirms that John Beaton will no longer be appointed to officiate any future matches involving either Celtic F.C. or Rangers F.C., effective immediately.

The league has determined that the level of controversy, scrutiny and erosion of stakeholder confidence surrounding this fixture has reached a threshold where maintaining the integrity and credibility of future competitions requires decisive intervention.

This decision is not taken lightly. Match officials operate under significant pressure and are expected to apply the Laws of the Game with neutrality, consistency and professionalism. However, the SPFL recognises the substantial reputational impact arising from the events of this fixture.

The league remains committed to restoring confidence in officiating standards and will continue to strengthen referee performance monitoring, transparency measures and governance procedures across all competitions.”

The announcement effectively bars Beaton from refereeing future Old Firm encounters, a rare and extraordinary move that underlines the scale of the controversy. While the SPFL did not describe the measure as a formal disciplinary sanction, the wording of the statement makes clear that confidence in the fixture’s management had been significantly damaged.

Reactions to the decision have been mixed. Some supporters believe the league had no choice but to act decisively in order to protect the credibility of Scotland’s most high profile rivalry. Others argue that referees are being placed under unbearable pressure and that isolating officials from certain fixtures could set a difficult precedent.

Former referees have also weighed in, stressing the extreme difficulty of managing Old Firm matches, where every decision is magnified and dissected from multiple angles. Nonetheless, critics maintain that modern football, particularly with VAR in operation, demands absolute clarity and consistency in the application of handball and foul interpretations.

For Celtic and Rangers, attention must now turn back to football matters, with both clubs still firmly in contention in a tightly balanced campaign. However, the shadow of the Ibrox controversy is unlikely to fade quickly.

The SPFL’s intervention represents one of the strongest public stances taken in response to refereeing controversy in recent Scottish football history. By removing Beaton from future matches involving the Glasgow rivals, the league has sent a clear signal that maintaining trust and competitive integrity is paramount.

Whether this decision restores confidence or deepens debate remains to be seen. What is certain is that the 2 to 2 draw at Ibrox will be remembered not only for its drama and late equaliser, but for the administrative aftermath that followed and the extraordinary step taken to prevent further controversy in Scotland’s fiercest football rivalry.