Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has expressed his confidence in referee John Beaton officiating Sunday’s Old Firm derby against Rangers, despite their previous clash that led to Rodgers picking up a touchline ban. Rodgers’ critical remarks following a previous match against Hearts resulted in his suspension, where he denounced the performance of referees Don Robertson and Beaton. Although Rodgers had previously called out Beaton for his role in incidents that impacted a match, he now maintains that he is at ease with Beaton taking charge of the pivotal derby that could sway the title race.

In a recent press conference, Rodgers emphasized his trust in Beaton as one of the country’s top referees, stating, “I’m comfortable with that. He’s refereed games that have been there before. My gripe was on that day, not about John Beaton’s entire career as a referee.” When asked about the potential pressure on Beaton due to past events, Rodgers responded curtly, “Don’t know. Not interested. Only interested in Celtic.”

Acknowledging the increasing scrutiny on match officials in modern football, Rodgers highlighted the necessity for accountability and professionalism from referees. He emphasized that officials, like players, are subjected to intense scrutiny and must be prepared to justify their decisions. Reflecting on the relentless focus on referees in today’s game, Rodgers noted that it has become an inherent aspect of football, emphasizing the importance of referees delivering under the spotlight and being held accountable for their performances.