John Beaton to submit Scottish FA report after Martin controversy at Rangers – Exclusive
This article contains exclusive comments from Keith Hackett for Ibrox News.
John Beaton is once again at the heart of controversy with Rangers, despite the Scottish Premiership not even starting yet at Ibrox.
The Bears welcomed Middlesbrough to Glasgow on Saturday, in between the two games against Panathinaikos, drawing 2-2 with goals from Danilo and Findlay Curtis again.
It should have been a win, though, with Beaton missing a clear handball from Luke Ayling in the box.
Russell Martin was sent off for his reaction to that incident, but hopes to avoid suspension after apologising to the officials, who admitted their mistakes.
Scottish FA next involved over Martin controversy
Keith Hackett has insisted that Beaton would have been at risk of Scottish FA sanction if he didn’t caution Martin if it was needed, even in a friendly.
The ex-FIFA official and PGMOL chief in England shared that a report will be submitted over the red card next, and could apply mitigation after reviewing footage of his poor decision.
“John Beaton must submit his report and give clear reasons for issuing the red card,” Hackett said.
“He may wish to add some mitigation if, after he has viewed the video and determined that a penalty kick should have been awarded.
“Having issued a red card, it is up to the disciplinary committee to review and determine the course of action.
“There are no friendlies in the eyes of the referee who must apply the laws of the game. If he fails to do so, he is at risk of a sanction from the Scottish FA.”
Welcome to Scotland, Russell
If Martin wasn’t too aware of the officiating standards in Scotland, he is now.
After the drama of the final day draw at Hibernian last season, with Nicolas Raskin’s ‘ghost goal’ taking centre-stage, it has already continued.
How one of Scotland’s most experienced referees could miss Ayling with his arm fully outstretched above his head is unbelievable, unless you are used to this.
Thankfully, it was just in a friendly and Martin and Beaton appear to have made up already.
Let’s hope the Scottish FA leave it at that.
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