Question for Mr Beaton

In Sunday’s intense 3-3 draw with Celtic, no one brought up the odd flashpoint incident involving referee John Beaton, who had given the Ibrox club a controversial penalty kick.

A yellow card was shown to serial diver Fabio Silva by the match official ten minutes into the second half, with the champions duly leading by two goals. This was after Silva had once again engaged in pitiful theatrics, this time by embracing the turf after a valid challenge from Alistair Johnston in the box.

There’s no denying that the Portuguese fraudster initiated contact with the Hoops defender’s extended right leg.

Silva’s unseemly antics were right to merit a booking. Unfortunately, football on these shores is never as easy and clear-cut as it seems. even though it is blatantly apparent.

After VAR guru Nick Walsh gave Beaton instructions to review the incident on his touchline monitor, the referee reappeared to revoke the card and point to the spot. James Tavernier, ever grateful to show off his well-honed skills from 12 yards, duly belted the award past the valiant Joe Hart.

But then something strange happened when Beaton entered the field again and pointed out without error that the hosts had been given a life jacket before they were submerged in a sea of Celtic dominance.

The ugly songbook was temporarily put on hold and the audience was thankfully quieted while the match official reexamined the incident involving the Canadian right-back in the World Cup and his opponent, who is as welcome at Wolves as a shark in your bathtub.

It didn’t take a Sherlock Holmes to figure out what was going to happen next. Witnessed by a multitude of people in Govan and throughout the globe by Sky Sports commentators, Beaton dashed back onto the field while Brendan Rodgers eagerly watched from the sidelines.

He pointed to the location before, in an odd move, turning his head to the left and growling at someone. It was an obvious reflex and an impulsive move in the heat of the moment.

It is likely that the referee’s comment was not positive based on the way he looked. Sadly, I lack the ability to lip-read (maybe a kind CQN reader could provide useful assistance?). As such, I am unable to confirm exactly what the official mouthed.

I could speculate on his brief, scathing rebuke, but it’s probably best if I kept my mouth shut.

Readers, please consider the photographs and form your own opinions. Keep in mind that the IFAB does not support the use of “offensive, insulting, or abusive language.”

Naturally, the referee may solve the puzzle simply disclosing everything.

I’m not going to hold my breath.

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