John Beaton has been announced as the referee for the 2023 Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Inverness Caley Thistle. Graeme Stewart and Gordon Crawford will join Beaton as his two assistant referees, with Steven McLean on VAR duty.
The decision to appoint Beaton as referee for the game will be greeted with groans from the Celtic support.
It is largely accepted that John Beaton is a supporter of the second-best team in the country at this moment ‘Rangers’ and his performances officiating Celtic games throughout his career have always been met with controversy.
Regardless of who holds the whistle on Saturday 3rd June, Celtic fans will be expecting the team to make the short trip back to Paradise with the Scottish Cup in hand and a treble sealed.
Before that Celtic have a trip to Edinburgh to play Hibs on Wednesday evening in the final away fixture of the Scottish Premiership season. And for this match at Easter Road Kevin Clancy will referee the game and he will be assisted by David McGeachie and Craig Ferguson. The fourth official will be Steven Kirkland and our old friend Andrew Dallas is on VAR duties assisted by Graeme Leslie.
No news yet from the Scottish FA on the officials for Trophy Day this Saturday lunchtime at Celtic Park.
James French
