Rangers title challenge all but ended at Rugby Park after an abysmal collapse let Kilmarnock take all three points in a 2-1 victory but the scoreline didn’t reflect the full story.
John Beaton – again – had a major influence in Rangers dropping points (he apologised earlier in the season after the 2-2 draw at Pittodrie in which he gave a free-kick instead of a penalty) with a serious of major decisions which went against the Light Blues.
Steven Gerrard took responsibility for the defeat but behind closed doors he must be fuming at the ref’s performance for the second time this season.
The whistler failed to send-off Gary Dicker for a blatant dive in an attempt to win a penalty when he was already on a yellow card, he didn’t see a clear handball by Rory McKenzie in the lead up to Killie’s equaliser and then disallowed Alfredo Morelos’ header at 1-1 with just five minutes left on the clock.
Did Beaton cost Rangers the points against Kilmarnock?
Yes
No
Gers fans took to Twitter in disgust at Beaton’s performance after a display that has destroyed the Ibrox club’s chances of winning the league.
Morelos goal stands and we say well at least they can win ugly and did well to grind it out
It’s the fact that 2 very similar pushes were both judged to be in Kilmarnocks favour, that’s what makes me question Beaton.
It’s either a penalty or a goal for us, very confusing— David (@DJH_EK) February 13, 2020
It doesnt excuse the 2nd half performance far from it it wasnt good enough but it’s another game where the rules are different and no consistency with the decisions being made. That’s now 5 points Beaton has cost us so far this season.
— Barry (@bkerr72) February 13, 2020
Exactly. When games are mariginal they get a helping hand, when ours are marginal quite the opposite. Them v Hamilton is a perfect example. Or Cosgroves fate at Parkhead versus Ibrox….go back to pittodrie and Beaton not giving us a penalty as they score a aided late winner
— mm (@markbluebeans) February 13, 2020
I do agree with we need to beat the teams in spite of the refs…..
But if Beaton does his job Kilmarnock don’t equalise.
Then Alfie gets pushed in the box, no foul, he puts his hands on someone when he scores and its immediately a foul.
Red had a direct bearing on the result
— Big Mac (@MacKodi) February 13, 2020
Another rugby tackle another hand ball John Beaton cheatin on behalf of The SPL and Celtic what a joke so blatant 💩
— s martin (@buck553) February 13, 2020
Must be some pay off the referees are getting to help Celtic either that or they fear for their lives… No doubt Beaton was terrible last night but we should have put them to the sword as well
— Steven King (@StevenK86) February 13, 2020
Rangers created enough clear cut chances which, had they taken them, should’ve been enough to sweep aside a poor Kilmarnock side, however, by allowing the game to be so tight, the decisions that went against the Ibrox club proved to be costly to the extent that it now appears the league campaign is well and truly over.