Celtic: Ange Postecoglou questions John Beaton decision

Celtic managed to get a hard fought win over Motherwell, although it was a game that they had made difficult for themselves more than the visitors. Kyogo Furuhashi had given the Hoops the lead in the first half but then an own goal from Josip Juranovic made it 1-1. Ultimately, the game was decided by a wonder strike from Reo Hatate, who certainly has a point to prove after not getting a single minute for Japan during the international break.

One of the major incidents on the day was also the red card that Callum McGregor picked up late on in the game. But ultimately, it helped the Hoops hang on to the win and the three points.

Ange Postecoglou did not seem particularly convinced that it was the right decision on the part of the referee, John Beaton, to send off the Celtic captain though as the manager felt that his side did have a covering defender.

As reported by The Scottish Sun, Postecoglou said while speaking to BBC Sportsound after the game:

"“It’s hard to say. From my angle I thought we had a covering player. The referee’s made that decision so we’ve just got to cop it.”"

Celtic: Postecoglou questions Beaton’s decision to show McGregor a red card

It is hard to think of a Celtic game that Beaton has refereed where there was no controversial decision and this game was no exception either.

Ultimately though, Celtic should be happy that they managed to come out of it with a win and all three points.

The Hoops had not won in their previous three games though, having lost twice and drawn once, and thus, they needed this result. Otherwise they would have thrown away their 5-point lead in the space of two games. What McGregor’s red card will mean in the long-term remains to be seen.

As things stand, Celtic are still top of the table with a two point lead over the Rangers but are not looking nearly as convincing as they had been after the 4-0 win in the Glasgow Derby.