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Chris Sutton says a forced play by the SFA threw gasoline on the flames at Old Firm and put pressure on referee John Beaton.
The former Celtic striker believes the decision to name the whistler for Sunday’s crisis is an attempt by Hampden’s more sensible brass to flex their muscles. Beaton’s appointment came less than a week after Parkhead boss Brendan Rodgers imposed an SFA sanction for criticising the official and his colleague Don Robertson following their performances as VAR and referee in last month’s match against Hearts at Tynecastle.
Sutton believes that a subsequent effort through the halls of the force to demonstrate its strength backfired and created two massive disrupts prior to the confrontation. The Record Sport columnist saw the explosion of anxiety from both supporters’ teams over the appointment. Sutton insists that this has now put Beaton under enormous and extra pressure before the game and does not allow him to make a mistake when it starts.
He said: “It seems to me that, after recent events, this is an attempt by the SFA to show that they will not allow themselves to be dictated to or influenced when it comes to the suitability of officials. It’s a game of strength through the most sensible. And somehow I sense it. I also think it’s a pretty moderate technique in a general sense.
“But for this weekend? This game?I don’t think it’s prudent or prudent. Look at the reaction since then. It’s already exploded and we’re just a few days away from starting the game.
“Now you have two teams of fans who feel like they’re going to take a big hit or feel uncomfortable about it. Some Celtic enthusiasts, Beaton, will give all the decisions to Rangers.
“Some Rangers fans think he will give everything to Celtic because of the beating he took from Rodgers. I’m not suggesting for a moment that the SFA should, in most cases, appoint referees based on the happiness of the fans. or lose your mind.
“But, this time around, given that there’s enough tension in the air from those games, wouldn’t it have been bigger for someone else?It seemed like an unnecessary resolution and it’s like pouring gasoline on the fire. “
Sutton insists he has no problem with Beaton’s appointment as the referee will only be judged on his functionality in the game. But, given the context, he believes the whistleblower is under ridiculous surveillance and has been under intense pressure.
Sutton said: “Beaton can’t do anything on Sunday now. It’s as undeniable as that. Everyone will be in their case, watching each and every one and every move, each and every one and every decision, each and every one. and each and every movement.
“I didn’t do it myself, obviously. But I can only believe how complicated and stressful it is to referee an Old Firm match at the most productive time. God knows what it will be like for Beaton on Sunday and I know. I don’t think it’s a scenario where he deserves to be placed through the SFA.
“Of course, he will have to referee the match. It’s the most important game. But those cases aren’t ideal and may have simply been avoided. “
“Give them the next one at Celtic Park, and the Scottish Cup final between the groups if they want to, if you want to. But the timing of this appointment has created, in my opinion, an absolutely absolute situation. “