A Scottish referee responsible for what has been dubbed by some as 'the worst VAR call ever' has been placed under police protection after his personal details were leaked online.
Background to the Controversy
Official John Beaton awarded Celtic a highly-controversial 96th-minute penalty against Motherwell after a clash between Sam Nicholson and Auston Trusty. Beaton, 44, was referred to the pitchside monitor by VAR Andrew Dallas and duly pointed to the spot, despite the replays being inconclusive at best. It was adjudged that Nicholson had handled the ball when contesting a header.
Having become a FIFA-recognised referee in 2012, Beaton has officiated in the Saudi Pro League, the Europa League, and World Cup qualifiers.
Police Protection and SFA Response
The Scottish FA confirmed that Beaton and his family spent Thursday night at home under police surveillance after details of his address were posted online. The SFA condemned the actions, stating: '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.'
The SFA added: '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.'
Wider Context of Criticism
The SFA highlighted that this incident is the consequence of heightened criticism and scapegoating throughout the season. '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,' it said. '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.'
The SFA also criticised the media narrative: '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.'
Impact on Title Race
There have been a series of criticisms fired at officials in the Scottish Premiership, with the title decider set for the final day this weekend. Hearts were on the verge of being crowned champions when Celtic trailed Motherwell, but goals from Benjamin Nygren and Kelechi Iheanacho—who benefitted from the penalty call—ensured the title race went to the final day, when the two sides will face each other. Hearts know a win or draw will crown them champions, while Celtic need a victory to claim a dramatic title.
SFA's Commitment to Protecting Officials
The Scottish FA added: '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.'
They concluded: '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.'
