Since returning to the top league of Scottish football, Rangers have not enjoyed the best of records at Pittodrie against Aberdeen.
Steven Gerrard dropped points or lost against the Dons more times than he beat them in 15 attempts, however, Philippe Clement has won twice and drawn once as manager – the last time the two sides met and the beginning of the faltering title challenge in 2023/24.
It has, and never will be, an easy place to go for Rangers, and the appointment of John Beaton as referee only adds another edge.
John Beaton appointment as referee won’t do Rangers any favours
In December 2019, with Rangers and Celtic locked on level points at the top of the Scottish Premiership, Gerrard saw his side take a 2-0 lead, only to be pegged back.
To make matters worse, Beaton awarded Rangers a free-kick from the edge of the box when Lewis Ferguson had clearly fouled Alfredo Morelos inside the area.
When asked by Sky Sports if he had spoken to Beaton to clarify the incident, Gerrard said:
“Did he apologise? Yes. I went to see him.
“He has just explained to me that he got it wrong, right in front of his eyes, and there is no excuse.
“I’m surprised it’s not given as the referee is three yards away and looking right at it. He has seen it since and agrees it is a blatant penalty he has missed.
“I have to be very careful what I say, obviously. But I don’t think there will be a more disappointed person outside of Rangers tonight than John.”
Aberdeen fans are complaining about the appointment, but they shouldn’t be.
Statistics show that Beaton narrative makes no sense
Despite the “Brother Beaton” narrative that even professional pundits like Chris Sutton continue to spout, there is a long history of one of Scotland’s top officials producing inconsistent performances when officiating Rangers.
The infamous Hibs game at Ibrox when Morelos was yellow carded as he was put clean through on goal only for Darren McGregor to flying headlock him will always be a difficult one to beat.
Rangers have visited Pittodrie 13 times since 2016, four times the visitors have had a player sent off and three times Aberdeen have been awarded a penalty.
In two of the seven games in which Rangers have dropped points, Beaton was referee.
Some conspiracy.
