Celtic hero Neil Lennon makes unexpected John Beaton claim

When John Beaton was appointed as the referee for the Glasgow Derby, it was also a recipe for potential controversy. And that's exactly what we got. Celtic ended up conceding a questionable penalty while 2-0 up and it allowed the Rangers to get back into the game. It ultimately ended in a 3-3 draw but felt like two points dropped for Brendan Rodgers' side rather than one gained.

The moment came in the second half. Celtic were cruising to victory. Then Fabio Silva went down in the box.

Initially, Beaton appeared to make the right decision, handing Silva a yellow card for simulation. But he was then called to the VAR monitor to have a second look at things and ended up overturning his original decision, giving the Rangers a spot kick instead.

The problem is that Alistair Johnston got to the ball first. And even if there was any contact between the Canadian international and Silva, it was minimal at best. Unsurprisingly, Celtic fans were unhappy with Beaton and VAR once again.

Celtic hero Neil Lennon makes unexpected John Beaton claim

Yet, Lennon appeared to believe that Beaton had a good game. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, the former Celtic legend said on PLZ Soccer:

"I thought the referee had a good game. I have to say. And I think that’s why the game was so good to watch.

“I know everyone’s on eggshells about the refereeing decisions at times but I thought, in the main, he handled the game pretty well."

Beaton would have had a good game if not for that penalty decision. And even more frustrating for many fans is the fact that he made the right decision in real time, before changing it upon watching footage.

What is done is done though. The positive for Celtic coming out of Ibrox is the fact that they still have it all in their hands. If they win their remaining six games in the league, one of them being a Glasgow Derby at home, they are guaranteed to finish the season as champions of Scotland.