NO-ONE mentioned a curious flashpoint moment involving referee John Beaton after he had awarded the Ibrox club a contentious penalty-kick in Sunday’s highly-charged 3-3 draw with Celtic.
Ten minutes into the second-half, with the champions deservedly two goals ahead, the match official flashed a yellow card at serial diver Fabio Silva after he had once again indulged in pathetic theatrics as he embraced the turf following a legitimate challenge from Alistair Johnston in the box.
There is no argument the Portuguese charlatan instigated contact with the outstretched right leg of the Hoops defender.
SCREEN TEST…John Beaton reviews the Alistair Johnston and Fabio Silva incident on the monitor.
Correctly, the embarrassing antics of Silva warranted a booking. Alas, football on these shores is never as simple and straightforward as it appears. Even when it is bleedin’ obvious.
Beaton was instructed by VAR guru Nick Walsh to review the incident on his touchline monitor and, lo and behold, the whistler returned to rescind the card, point to the spot and James Tavernier, grateful as ever to display his much-honed skills from 12 yards, belted the award high past the gallant Joe Hart.
However, something odd occurred as Beaton returned to the field before unerringly indicating the hosts had been thrown a lifebelt before they drowned in a sea of Celtic’s superiority.
The crowd was mercifully hushed, with the vile songbook given a rest for a moment, as the match official looked again at the incident involving the Canadian World Cup right-back and his opponent who appears as welcome at Wolves as a shark in your bathwater.
Sherlock Holmes qualities were not required to detect what would happen next. Watched by thousands in Govan and millions worldwide courtesy of Sky Sports broadcasters, Beaton, with Brendan Rodgers a more than interested onlooker from the touchline, raced back onto the field.
VERBAL VOLLEY…referee John Beaton has something to say after awarding a controversial penalty-kick.
He gestured towards the spot and then, in a peculiar reaction, motioned his head to the left to bark something at someone, a clear reflex and unguarded action in the heat of the moment.
By the looks of the referee’s expression, it is odds-on that his remark was not complimentary. Unfortunately, I am devoid of lip-reading expertise – possibly a helpful CQN reader may be able to offer kind assistance? – so I cannot say for certain what was mouthed by the official.
I could hazard a guess at his short, sharp rebuke, but it’s probably advisable I keep my thoughts to myself.
DECISION TIME…Brendan Rodgers looks on anxiously as John Beaton re-enters the field of play.
MAKING HIS POINT…the referee awards the highly-debatable penalty-kick to the hosts.
SOMETHING TO SAY…the match official’s odd reaction.
Please take a look at the images, dear reader, and make up your own mind and please remember that IFAB frowns on the use of “offensive, insulting or abusive language”.
Of course, the referee could clear up the mystery by revealing all.
I’m not holding my breath.
ALEX GORDON
