Rangers v Celtic: Bobby Madden rules on John Beaton controversy over ‘theatrical’ Fabio Silva
John Beaton was right to award Rangers a penalty against Celtic following the VAR review, according to Bobby Madden.
The former FIFA referee posted on Instagram (8 April) to support the final verdict, even accounting for the “theatrical” fall from Fabio Silva and the touch on the ball from Alistair Johnston.
Celtic, and especially Chris Sutton, were left incensed after Beaton overturned his booking of the Portuguese forward for a dive upon review after a coming together with the Canadian defender, with James Tavernier scoring from the spot to make it 2-1 at Ibrox in the dramatic 3-3 draw.
Madden wrote: “This is a penalty. Yes, there [sic] attacker had been falling regularly, but you can only judge this incident.
“His reaction is theatrical but you can’t ignore the fact that the defender is turned and makes clear contact with the attackers thigh.
“The defender makes minimal contact with the ball which is not significant enough to justify the contact [that] follows as the attacker would retain possession.”
Rangers penalty at Ibrox supported by former FIFA referee
Everything Madden says makes sense with regards to the penalty award, while he also backed Beaton’s decisions to award Celtic a penalty for a Connor Goldson handball and disallow Cyriel Dessers’ goal for an earlier foul, in the two other major VAR interventions.
Beaton was probably in a no-win situation once he was given such a crucial Old Firm derby, especially so soon after the controversy caused by Brendan Rodgers when he criticised the official for his work as VAR during the 2-0 Hearts win over the Hoops.
He wasn’t perfect but in the circumstances he appeared to eventually get the biggest calls right, including the ones that went against Philippe Clement’s side.
Silva made it especially difficult for him by spending the first hour of the game throwing himself to the ground, at a time when everyone bar Jack Butland was failing to live up to the occasion.
It ultimately became a memorable encounter that leaves both sides feeling like they hold the initiative in the title race still, while cursing their own failings which prevented them from taking what would have been a crucial win.
Clement needs to ensure his side get a win in their rearranged fixture against Dundee to go back to the top of the table, although Dens Park looks set to again make that easier said than done.
In other Rangers news, a Light Blues contract offer has gone down badly as a club looks to poach a key Clement man.
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