Regarding Brendan Rodgers’ choice to specifically name John Beaton in his criticism of the VAR rulings during Celtic’s game, Neil Lennon has expressed his thoughts. Lennon understands Rodgers’ fury, especially in light of the controversial rulings that resulted in Celtic being reduced to 10 men and subsequently facing a penalty; nonetheless, he cautions against identifying referees in criticism of the team.
The penalty given to Tomoki Iwata for a suspected handball and the Yang sending-off incident, which Celtic has appealed and is expecting a decision on Tuesday, have generated a great deal of controversy.
Scottish Premiership Football, Hearts vs. Celtic, Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh, Scotland, March 3, 2024; Referee Don Robertson shows a red card to Celtic’s Hyunjun Yang after overturning his yellow card following a VAR check in the 14th minute.
Speaking on the PLZ Soccer show, Lennon recognized that Rodgers had every right to be resentful, particularly given their past interactions. He brought up his time judging an Ibrox derby during Beaton’s first term.
While Lennon acknowledged that Rodgers was right when he said that VAR involvement appeared to have “re-refereed” the game, he also emphasized the possible consequences of criticizing specific referees.
“I know the emotion and how enraged Brendan would have felt after the game,” he remarked, having been there himself.
“His history with John Beaton is evident when you consider the Ibrox derby, in which he had the opportunity to at least send two or three opposition players off.
But naming him isn’t really that fantastic. That will land him in serious trouble. Since the game was redone yesterday, I don’t disagree with the remainder of his remarks. Ultimately, though, all hinges on Don Robertson’s purported interpretation of what he seen on the VAR.
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