Impressive Celtic record emerges after referee confirmed for Kilmarnock trip

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After the madness of the transfer window and international break, Celtic are back in action.

A trip to Ayrshire awaits Brendan Rodgers’ side as they face Kilmarnock on Sunday afternoon.

The Hoops were involved in a sub-par Glasgow derby affair last time out, drawing 0-0 against Rangers.

New signings Kelechi Iheanacho and Sebastian Tounekti will be under consideration for the first time after they arrived towards the end of the transfer window.

A new game means a new referee appointment and although he may not be everybody’s cup of tea, a remarkable record has emerged.

• READ MORE: Mark Guidi reveals the fee English clubs were quoted for Celtic winger Sebastian Tounekti

John Beaton confirmed as referee for Kilmarnock vs Celtic

Taking charge of the game at Rugby Park will be John Beaton.

This will be the second time the 43-year-old has officiated a Celtic game after he was the man in the middle for the Bhoys’ win against Aberdeen in August.

Joining him, as confirmed by the Scottish Football Association, are assistant referees Jonathan Bell and Paul McAvinue.

Completing the lineup is Matthew MacDermid and Ross Hardie, both of whom will be working as the lead on VAR and Hardie as the VAR assistant respectively.

Celtic have an incredible record when John Beaton is the referee

Referees are very rarely welcomed warmly by supporters, and even though Beaton isn’t always given the greatest reception, he is a good omen for Celtic.

Sunday will be his 61st game involving the Bhoys. In that time, Celtic have only lost three games while winning 46.

The last time Celtic lost when Beaton was officiating was back in October 2020 when Rangers won 2-0. Meanwhile, the other two defeats were in 2019 and the Hoops are currently on a 24-game unbeaten streak with the 43-year-old reffing.