Michael Stewart has criticised the standard of refereeing in Scottish football following controversial officiating in Sunday’s Glasgow Derby.
Speaking out on the matter, Stewart highlighted what many fans saw as a pivotal error that influenced the outcome of one of the most critical matches of the season.
In a game where Celtic were leading 2-0, Rangers were awarded a penalty that kick-started their comeback into a 3-3 draw.
Stewart said: [BBC] “The officiating is embarrassing our game. They’ve impacted the result in the biggest game of the season. Disgraceful.”
The penalty decision came after Fabio Silva of Rangers went down in the box following a challenge from Celtic’s Alistair Johnston. Referee John Beaton, who initially issued Silva a yellow card for simulation, reversed his decision after VAR intervention led by Nick Walsh. Beaton, persuaded by the VAR review to consult the pitch-side monitor, was subsequently awarded the penalty.
Silva appeared to be falling before any substantial contact was made, suggesting that Beaton’s original decision was the correct one. The overturning of this call not only changed the dynamics of the match but also added to the ongoing debates about the consistency and accuracy of officiating in the league.
This incident reignited criticisms previously voiced by Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, who had labelled Beaton as “incompetent” following contentious decisions against Hearts.
As discussions continue, the pressure mounts on the Scottish FA to address these concerns, ensuring that officiating standards are improved to uphold the integrity of the competition.
