Celtic fanatic has a very particular gripe about John Beaton as Rangers the crux of his Hotline magnum opus

The SFA have raised eyebrows by thrusting referee John Beaton back into the Old Firm spotlight just a week after Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers was punished for criticising the ref.

Beaton will be the man in the middle when Rangers host their title rivals at Ibrox in a match that could have huge connotations for the title race. But Celtic supporter Jim McSorley, Bothwell, says he’s been left stunned by Hampden boss Crawford Allan’s pick for the derby clash, saying: “The Beaton appointment for the weekend shows just how inept the SFA refereeing department is.

"How can Beaton take to the park in a neutral state of mind after last week's disciplinary process? When those in Govan took it upon themselves to send letters to the SFA about Willie Collum, there was always a cooling off period before he was appointed to their games. A sensible approach for both parties.”

Robert McEwan, Mount Vernon, added: “If the game on Sunday doesn't have any bad refereeing, dodgy VAR calls or sending offs it will be incredible.” George Wilson, West Sussex, agreed but said: “The referees and VAR officials in Scotland are appalling and there is nothing more certain than that there will be wrong and controversial decisions which will affect the result in Sunday's Old Firm game. On the principle that things even themselves out over the season then Rangers should benefit from the errors this time as they have been robbed in both games so far this season.”

Celtic fan Bud Hay, Dumfries, called to respond to yesterday’s contributor John Bruce, who reckons Rangers are favourites ahead of the third derby of the season.

He said: “Here we go again, John Bruce says Rangers will be top of the Premiership by Sunday. He will be right sometime, maybe even this