SFA name John Beaton for crucial Motherwell vs Celtic role

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The officiating team for Motherwell vs Celtic has become the main talking point now that the appointments have been confirmed.

John Beaton taking the whistle alongside Andrew Dallas on VAR guarantees scrutiny before a ball is even kicked at Fir Park.

With the title race still alive and every decision magnified, the Scottish FA had to know this combination would immediately dominate discussion among Celtic supporters.

• READ MORE: Rangers forced into embarrassing social media climbdown after Celtic defeat

Celtic fans, what was your immediate reaction when you saw John Beaton and Andrew Dallas named for Fir Park?

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SFA appointments were always going to spark Celtic reaction

The confirmed officiating team for Fir Park is:

• Referee: John Beaton
• AR1: David McGeachie
• AR2: Jonathan Bell
• VAR: Andrew Dallas
• AVAR: Sean Carr

Beaton has already handled several major Celtic fixtures this season, including Glasgow Derby matches and the previous meeting against Motherwell. His involvement in high-profile domestic fixtures means every major decision at Fir Park will now receive immediate attention.

Dallas being placed on VAR duty only increases that focus. Supporters now examine entire officiating teams rather than just the referee on the pitch, particularly after several heavily debated VAR moments involving Celtic during the current campaign.

The Scottish FA will understand exactly why these appointments are being discussed so heavily. This reaction was entirely predictable.

Celtic must ensure football becomes the main story

Celtic head into the match in strong form with five consecutive league wins behind them. The club also remain firmly involved in the title race according to the current Scottish Premiership table.

That context only increases pressure around officiating decisions. Every contentious moment will be analysed closely regardless of whether it arrives on the pitch or through VAR intervention.

There is also recent history at Fir Park. Motherwell’s win there earlier this season showed Celtic cannot afford distractions or lapses in concentration.

Ultimately, Celtic’s best response is to remove officiating from the equation completely. Strong performances and clinical finishing reduce the space for controversy to become the dominant post-match discussion.

Even so, few Celtic supporters will have seen the Beaton and Dallas appointments without immediately expecting heightened scrutiny around every major call.