John Beaton, referee in Rangers vs Celtic clash, has finally broken his silence on the controversial late penalty that secured the draw and neither set of fans will be satisfied with his verdict”
John Beaton Breaks Silence on Old Firm Penalty Drama: “I’ve Heard It All But the Decision Stands”
In the aftermath of Sunday’s pulsating 2-2 Old Firm draw at Ibrox, referee John Beaton has finally addressed the storm surrounding the late penalty awarded to Celtic via VAR a call that denied Rangers a crucial victory and left both sets of supporters incandescent.
Appearing on a special episode of a leading refereeing podcast, Beaton opened up about the intense scrutiny he has faced since the final whistle. The experienced official, who was sent to the monitor by VAR Steven MacLean after Dujon Sterling’s handball from James Forrest’s cross, explained his reasoning and why the relentless criticism from fans prompted him to speak publicly.
“I’ve refereed many Old Firm games, but the level of abuse and conspiracy theories this time has been something else,” Beaton said. “From one side, I’m accused of favouring Celtic with a ‘soft’ penalty; from the other, of robbing Rangers by not spotting earlier incidents or failing to issue cards. Social media, phone-ins, forums it’s come from every angle. That’s why I felt it was important to come on here and set the record straight, not hide behind silence.”
Beaton was clear on the key decision: Sterling’s arm was in an unnatural position, extended away from his body, and the ball struck it directly, changing direction. “Under the current handball laws in Scotland which align with IFAB guidance that’s a penalty,” he stated. “It’s not about intent; it’s about the position of the arm making the body unnaturally bigger. Dermot Gallagher and others have backed that consistency publicly, and I stand by it. If I hadn’t awarded it after review, I’d have been criticised the other way.”
He acknowledged the broader frustrations. Rangers fans pointed to potential unpunished fouls or denied spot-kicks earlier in the match, while some Celtic supporters felt other claims (like a possible grab on a forward) were overlooked. “I get why both sides feel aggrieved that’s football at this level,” Beaton continued. “The title race is tight, emotions run high, and every call is dissected. But officials don’t pick sides; we apply the laws as we see them in real time, or on review. The walk to the monitor isn’t easy under that pressure, but it’s part of the job.”
Beaton also touched on the personal toll. “The messages, the threats, the labels it’s draining. Referees are human. Coming forward like this isn’t about seeking sympathy; it’s about transparency in a game where trust in officiating is under fire. VAR helps get big calls right more often, but it doesn’t eliminate debate especially in derbies like this.”
The SFA has already confirmed reviews into aspects of the officiating, but Beaton remains firm: the penalty was correct, and hindsight doesn’t change facts on the pitch. Whether this appeases the Ibrox or Parkhead faithful is doubtful as he predicted, “neither set of fans will be fully satisfied.” Yet in a rare moment of candour from a top referee, Beaton has reminded everyone that behind the whistles and screens, there’s a person navigating impossible expectations.
As the Premiership title fight intensifies, one thing is clear: controversy isn’t going away and neither are the questions for the men in the middle.
