Zero Rangers rage led to John Beaton derby stroll that must have left Barry Ferguson wondering – ref watch

Former Grade One referee Des Roache ran the rule over John Beaton's Old Firm derby display for Record Sport and reckons the man in the middle will be happy with his display. Here's his verdict on the whistler.

Nobody will be eating their Corn Flakes on Monday morning talking about John Beaton and that’s exactly what you want as a referee. The way the game panned out was probably the best for a first Old Firm game of the season for a referee. He got involved when he had to get involved, letting a couple of wee things play out, and on the whole he handled it very well.

When one team is so dominant in a derby game - as Celtic were at Parkhead on Sunday - then the other team can take umbrage and start flying into tackles and be more physical. But that wasn’t the case - it really was men against boys and John let it go. Towards the end of the Sky Sports coverage, the camera panned onto Record Sport columnist and former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson who, in his role as club ambassador, was sitting in the stand. He could have been playing in that game and had far more of an impact than a few of the players who were actually on the field of play!

I refereed Barry a couple of times during my carer and I work at the Masters Football tournament every year and even when he plays in that he is desperate to win. At the last one him and Kenny Miller were having a barney coming off at half-time! In his pomp, knowing the quality player and character he is, he would have had a bigger reaction from the players on Sunday. I don’t think there were terribly many leaders for Rangers on the park. James Tavernier was a bit subdued. Was that because they weren’t good enough or because Celtic are superior?

As much as I’m saying the game