Rangers vs Celtic: Craig Moore reacts as John Beaton appointed referee for Old Firm
Craig Moore can understand why both Rangers and Celtic fans are feeling “nervous” about the appointment of John Beaton as referee for the Old Firm.
The SPFL confirmed on Tuesday (2 April) that Beaton will take charge of next weekend’s massive Scottish Premiership showdown at Ibrox.
That announcement comes on the back of Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers being banned from the touchline for comments made regarding the official.
However, while Celtic fans believe Rodgers’ comments will work against them, former Gers captain Moore reckons it could also have a negative affect on the Light Blues.
“I can understand why both sets of fans would be nervous about this appointment,” he said on Go Radio [2 April].
“Obviously because of the controversy surrounding the Hearts match, but when you look at the other side of the fence I have heard a lot of Rangers supporters saying because there is an extra, added pressure on John Beaton does he referee the game a different way?”
Referee and match officials named for Rangers vs Celtic
Beaton will taking charge of his first Old Firm of the season, with Don Robertson and Nick Walsh officiating the previous two.
Daniel McFarlane and Dougie Potter have been confirmed as the two linesmen, meanwhile, and William Collum the fourth official.
Questions would have been raised regardless of who was put in charge of this powder keg contest – that is just the way it is with this fixture.
The appointment of Beaton is particularly interesting, though, given Rodgers was banned just last week for comments aimed at the official.
All it will take is one dodgy decision – and you can bet there will be at least one of those – and there will no doubt be a pile-on.
The biggest fear ahead of the game is that one of those contentious calls settles the match, and possibly therefore settles the title race.
All eyes will be on Beaton for what is a truly massive contest.
In other Rangers news, Jonny McFarlane says there will “surely be takers” for a Gers flop in the summer transfer window.
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