‘Bottled it’ – Pundits SLAM Old Firm referee John Beaton over major Celtic vs Rangers Emmanuel Fernandez red card call

Referee John Beaton faced heavy criticism from pundits during the Old Firm match between Celtic and Rangers. Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez was booked just four minutes into the game for hauling down Camilo Duran. Later in the first half, Fernandez escaped a second yellow card after a challenge on Celtic's Benjamin Nygren, sparking outrage from Celtic players and supporters.

Pundits Pat Bonner, Scott Arfield, and Chris Sutton all argued that Fernandez was fortunate not to be sent off. Bonner stated that the referee "bottled it" by failing to award a foul. Meanwhile, Rangers led at halftime through a Ryan Naderi goal following a parry by Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo.