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John Beaton to referee potential Celtic title clincher at Aberdeen in first Hoops match since stinging statement

John Beaton will take charge of Celtic's potential title-clinching match at Aberdeen on Saturday.

The referee hasn't officiated in a match involving the Hoops since the explosive derby clash with Rangers in December which sparked a furious statement from the Parkhead club.

Beaton was criticised for a number of controversial decisions during the Ibrox clash which Rangers won 1-0.

The Hoops were staggered that Alfredo Morelos escaped action over three incidents in which he appeared to kick Scott Brown in the nether regions, stamp on Anthony Ralston and lash out at Ryan Christie.

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Parkhead chiefs demanded clarity from Beaton and followed up by forcing an FA summit on refereeing standards which was held in Perth in January.

In the statement they said: "It is reported that no action was taken because the match referee saw all of the incidents in question.

"Given that the referee took no action at the time, this tends to suggest that such conduct, which in one instance led to a Celtic player, Anthony Ralston, being injured, is acceptable in Scottish football. That cannot be right.

(Daily Record)

"On the day, Celtic did not play well enough to win the match, something we accept. However, this issue goes beyond the result of the match.

"Celtic is not the only club this season to raise concerns regarding the standard of officiating at matches in Scotland, concerns which have also been shared by many commentators on the game."

Following the match Beaton's work mobile number was reportedly leaked online, prompting him to receive vile messages and abuse.

Referee Collum (SNS Group)

The 37-year-old whistler will be in the middle though when the Hoops run out at Pittodrie for Saturday's lunchtime kick off.

He will be assisted by Graham Chambers and Frank Connor with Greg Aitken as fourth official.

A point will be enough to secure 8 in a row for Neil Lennon's side who are closing in on an unprecedented treble Treble.

Meanwhile, Willie Collum has not refereed a match involving Rangers since the Ibrox club released a statement of their own criticising the official.

Collum sent off Daniel Candeias at St Mirren on November 3 to provoke a furious reaction from Rangers in which there were "underlying issues" with the whistler's performance.

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