John Beaton chants and mock bank notes as Hearts fans revisit Celtic title controversy | OneFootball

Hearts supporters have made their feelings towards referee John Beaton clear months after Celtic dramatically pipped the Jambos to the Premiership title.

Martin O’Neill’s side completed their remarkable turnaround by beating Hearts at Celtic Park on the final day in May, but controversy from three days earlier at Fir Park has remained a major talking point.

Beaton awarded a late penalty which helped keep Celtic’s title challenge alive, denying Hearts the opportunity to head into the final day as overwhelming favourites.

The official took charge of Hearts for the first time since that dramatic week when they visited Falkirk, and the travelling support made sure he knew they had not forgotten.

Hearts fans sarcastically chanted Beaton’s name throughout the match, while some supporters even brought mock bank notes featuring the referee’s face.

The original decision prompted significant criticism, with then-Hearts manager Derek McInnes branding it “disgusting”, comments which later contributed to a touchline ban.

Former Hearts player Ryan Stevenson described the call as a “disgrace” and “garbage”, while Gary Lineker was also critical.

However, SFA head of refereeing Willie Collum subsequently backed Beaton’s decision during the governing body’s VAR review, explaining that the referee had correctly applied the laws of the game.

Chris Sutton also criticised the reaction from several high-profile pundits, arguing that sympathy towards Hearts had influenced their assessment of the incident.

The fallout became particularly serious when Beaton’s home address was leaked amid the controversy, resulting in security being required at his property.

HAVE YOUR SAY – Join the Celtic conversation in our comments section below…

Celtic Shorts is the new home for the team from The Celtic Star

NEW FROM CELTIC STAR BOOKS…Celtic in the Fifties by Matt Corr, in two volumes, available now…

Celtic in the Fifties by Matt Corr. Both Volumes out now. Order at celticstarbooks.com

Celtic in the Fifties by Matt Corr, in two volumes, both published on 4th September 2026 by Celtic Star Books. Click on image to order.

Quick Tip – Add Celticshorts.com as your ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for quick access to the Celtic content you value the most. It takes just a few seconds and you’ll notice the difference straight away! – Click HERE….Hail Hail!

Click to join Celtic Pools