Chris Sutton appalled by “embarrassing” decision that helped Rangers snatch draw vs Celtic

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Celtic’s 3-3 draw with Rangers at Ibrox was marred and influenced by a VAR decision involving the match officials.

Brendan Rodgers‘ side was 2-0 up and cruising until Rangers forward, Fabio Silva, threw himself to the ground after a ‘challenge’ by Celtic defender, Alistair Johnston.

John Beaton initially correctly booked Silva for diving but he was called to the VAR monitor to check for a foul by the Hoops defender.

Beaton remarkably took the decision to award the spot kick and Chris Sutton made his feelings perfectly clear on his feelings about the referee’s u-turn.

Sutton brands Beaton decision ’embarrassing’

Speaking on co-commentary, the former Celtic hero could not contain his disgust at Beaton’s reversal and also labelled Silva a ‘gold medal diver’.

Sutton said [Sky Sports], “He’s been an embarrassment throwing himself around all afternoon. It’s really good to see. I mean, that’s called cheating. John Beaton, quite right to show him the yellow card.

And as the VAR check was announced for a check on a foul on Silva, Sutton continues, “Fabio Silva, gold medal diver.

“This would be embarrassing if he was to be awarded a penalty. He’s already on his way down and shouldn’t be rewarded for cheating.

“There has to be sufficient contact. Is this a clear and obvious error? Of course, it isn’t. The more you watch it the more you see he’s dived.

“That’s an embarrassing climbdown from John Beaton. Dear me.”

It really was an incredible decision by Beaton. At first viewing, it was clear that the Portuguese attacker made a meal of the challenge by Johnston.

And you can also see the Celtic defender making contact with the ball. It will be interesting to hear Brendan Rodgers’ comments but there is little doubt that this controversy will continue for the remainder of the week.

Taking the positives, Celtic remains on top of the league and don’t lose any ground in the title race but this will go down as an opportunity to stretch their lead at the top of the table as being taken away from them by a decision by the match officials and not of their own doing.