At one point on Wednesday evening Rangers were top of the league on goal difference, by the end of the night they were two points behind Old Firm rivals Celtic after losing their grip on the game and a two goal lead against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
Things could’ve been different if, at 2-2, referee John Beaton had awarded Alfredo Morelos and Rangers a penalty kick instead of a free-kick on the edge of the box, the whistler later apologising to Steven Gerrard for getting the decision wrong.
Beaton has also come under pressure for allowing Sam Cosgrove of Aberdeen to stay on the pitch for the full 90 minutes, the Dons centre forward clattered Steven Davis in the first minute which should’ve been at least a yellow card but then, bizarrely, allowed the forward to make another four fouls before eventually booking him. Cosgrove managed to reach double figures in fouls for the night despite being warned by Beaton on several occasions, the very definition of persistent fouling.
What was the worst decision from John Beaton?
Cosgrove not being sent off.
Awarding free-kick instead of penalty.
Rangers dropping two points was of their own volition, a lack of composure and concentration in defence but Beaton’s display only made things worse for fans who took to twitter in disgust:
Would’ve been better with Stevie Wonder as the ref last night. Cosgrove booked after 4 fouls then warned again by Beaton after a further 3 fouls and a dive. And the foul on Davis warranted a straight red. Imagine the uproar had it been Alfredo..
— GraemeR180🎯 (@GraemeR93) December 5, 2019
Exactly right mate, Beaton was the only one who bottled anything
— Billy Brotherston (@Bi11y04) December 5, 2019
@mrandrewdickson Doesn’t take away from how we chucked the game away but I thought Beaton was absolutely terrible last night. Not just that decision but he could easily have sent 2 Aberdeen guys off for persistent fouling after giving them yellow cards
— Andy The Photo Dr ♿️ 🏴 (@andythephotoDr) December 5, 2019
Beaton didn’t give that penalty because he knew the backlash he would get…. that being said, only ourselves to blame, never seen a team collapse more in my life
— Lewis Christie (@LChristie96) December 5, 2019
Beaton was 5 yards away from the foul and couldn’t see it was on the line. Terrible refereeing. As a side issue, why was Cosgrove still on the pitch at the end of the game. Watch the game back and count the number of fouls he gave away 🇬🇧 https://t.co/Qxsh1Ue8Qm
— Alex Ferguson (@AlexFerguson50) December 5, 2019
Beaton is also a coward, Cosgrove commuted at least 6 fouls and had two blatant dives after being booked, Logan gave away a stonewall penalty (which we never got) after his yellow and he was 4 yards away when Jack was fouled in the box and gave a foul outside
— BlueZulu (@riomxela) December 5, 2019
It’s safe to say John Beaton won’t be popular amongst the Gers faithful after his display and contribution towards Rangers dropping points for just the third time this season, apparently these things even themselves out over the course of the season though…