Bobby Madden says John Beaton missed decision that should have reduced Rangers to 10 men

Former referee Bobby Madden believes John Beaton missed an incident that could have resulted in Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez being sent off during Celtic’s 1-0 derby defeat.

Martin O’Neill’s side produced another disappointing performance at Celtic Park on Sunday, with several senior players coming under heavy criticism following a third defeat in seven days.

However, Madden has now highlighted an early refereeing decision that could have significantly altered the complexion of the game.

Fernandez was booked after just four minutes for bringing down Camilo Duran.

Twelve minutes later, Benjamin Nygren knocked the ball beyond the Rangers defender before going down following a challenge, but Beaton allowed play to continue.

Madden believes a free-kick should have been awarded and, because the incident stopped a promising Celtic attack, Fernandez should have received a second yellow card.

Speaking via the Daily Record, Madden said: “Fernandez, who was cautioned in the fourth minute, committed this offence in the 16th minu of the game. If we look at this situation in isolation, the attacker plays the ball beyond Fernandez and you can see that this is a clear promising attack.

“Listed within the cautions for unsporting behaviour is stopping a promising attack. During the match, the referee did not award a free-kick for this offence.

“If he had, the yellow card for stopping a promising attack should have been issued. We need to remember that VAR cannot get involved with issuing a second yellow card.”