Callum McGregor weighs in on Celtic red card with the ‘only question’ he has for John Beaton

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The Celtic red card controversy continues as Hoops captain Callum McGregor weighs in on the Hearts row.

Celtic boss Martin O’Neill was left fuming at VAR’s intervention after John Beaton told Steven McLean he had to review his yellow card on the monitor.

Those instructions made the referee upgrade Auston Trusty’s yellow card to a red, consigning Celtic to 10 men for the second fixture in a row after the Hoops draw in Bologna.

The game ended in a 2-2 stalemate as Hearts equalised not long after Trusty got his marching orders and here, Celtic captain Callum McGregor weighs in on the call with one question for Beaton.

• READ MORE: Derek McInnes admits Celtic coach left him rattled as Hearts boss hypocrisy is laid bare

Callum McGregor ‘not sure’ a clear and obvious Celtic error was made

The Celtic captain was asked his thoughts on Beaton’s decision to intervene, and McGregor was very philosophical with his answer.

McGregor told the Daily Mail, “To be honest, it’s probably one if he gives a red off the bat, you’re probably not too surprised.

“But when he gives the yellow, I think the only question is, is that an obvious enough error to then go to the monitor?

“I’m not sure. But again, I think if it went either way, you kind of have to accept it. It’s one of those grey area ones.”

John Beaton’s Celtic red cards laid bare

Beaton is never far from a controversial decision when he is in charge of games either as a referee or with VAR.

Celtic fans have long questioned many of his decisions as the red cards Beaton has delivered to the Bhoys have made a material difference to results.

Here are his red cards as a referee and VAR:

• 01.10.2022: Celtic 2 v 1 Motherwell: Callum McGregor delivered a straight red for a DOGSO challenge on Ross Tierney.
• 03.03.2024: Heart of Midlothian 2 v 0 Celtic. Beaton orders off Hyunjun Yang.
• 25.01.2026: Heart of Midlothian 2 v 2 Celtic. Auston Trusty ordered off for DOGSO challenge on Kabore.

Celtic have appealed the decision at Hearts but even if that is won, the damage has already been done with two points dropped at Tynecastle.