SFA slam 'hysterical' narrative after Celtic penalty drama as John Beaton spends night under police protection

The Scottish FA have slammed a ‘hysterical’ narrative around referee John Beaton following penalty drama in the aftermath of Celtic’s Premiership win over Motherwell - after he spent a night under police protection amid leaking of personal details.

Debate has raged around the footballing world since Wednesday night after the defending Premiership champions remained within one point of Hearts ahead of a final day meeting between the pair at Parkhead. Victory for Celtic will see them retain the title while Derek McInnes’ Jambos must avoid defeat if they are to claim a first Premiership trophy since 1960.

Drawing 2-2 with Motherwell midweek, it looked as if the Parkhead side were going to have to win by three goals against Hearts due to goal difference, but VAR official Andrew Dallas called Beaton to the monitor for a second look at a possible handball by Sam Nicholson. Beaton pointed to the spot but debate has centred on whether or not the Motherwell player actually headered the ball. Kelechi Iheanacho scored from the spot as debate exploded.

What have SFA said about John Beaton after penalty incident in Motherwell 2-3 Celtic?

In a statement, the SFA confirmed police surveillance was needed for Beaton in the aftermath of the game, as they hit out ‘in the strongest possible terms attempts to compromise the safety of match officials.’ A statement reads: “John Beaton and his family spent last night at home under police surveillance following a leak of personal details online.

“The Scottish FA condemns in the strongest possible terms attempts to compromise the safety of match officials. Such vigilantism, motivated by decisions perceived to be right or wrong on a field of play, is a scourge on our national game and we are grateful to Police Scotland for their swift intervention. We are also clear, sadly, that this is the inevitable consequence of the heightening criticism, intolerance and scapegoating demonstrated this season by media pundits, supporters, official supporters' groups, clubs, players, managers and former match officials.

“We do not make that point lightly as the national association. Yet it is an inconvenient truth. Those who have sought to apportion blame and conspiracy towards match officials to deflect from defeats or perceived injustices throughout the season have contributed to an environment that puts the safety of our staff and match officials in jeopardy.

“This is the consequence of a hysterical media narrative, fuelled by irresponsible knee-jerk post-match media interviews, commentary and official social media posts. The cumulative effect impacts on our ability to provide enough referees to service our game at all levels. When it compromises the safety and wellbeing of our most senior match officials, enough is enough. Referees are not infallible. Mistakes will be made on the field, and subjective calls made in front of the VAR monitor, just as managers will pick the wrong team, goalkeepers concede soft goals and strikers miss from five yards out. Yet the reaction to these inevitabilities could not be more contrasting.

“What happened yesterday is not an isolated incident. There are many examples of match officials being placed in harmful situations but with individuals fearful of speaking out lest it exacerbates the situation or causes further alarm to friends, family and colleagues. We will not allow this to become the norm. We will not allow a situation where match officials require special provision to protect their children at school to be considered an occupational hazard. We will not allow a situation where staying at home with the front door locked and avoiding the hazards of public interaction becomes a coping strategy.

“The Scottish FA will be seeking to strengthen its rules to better protect those integral to the game and urge those who will doubtless join us in condemning incidents like this to support those proposals, not contribute to their watering-down on the basis of self-preservation.

“As we approach what should be an exciting finale to the season, we ask those who have personalised and hyperbolised their opinions, those who have sought the easy way out by attributing defeats to perceived refereeing errors, and those who have approved incendiary statements and posts to reflect on their contribution to creating an environment of intimidation, fear and alarm. We urge tolerance and perspective to prevent any further, unthinkable escalation.”