New Emmanuel Fernandez red-card verdict emerges after Celtic clash amid John Beaton controversy

Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez remains at the heart of the debate following Sunday’s Old Firm victory over Celtic, with fresh scrutiny surrounding referee John Beaton’s decision not to send him off at Celtic Park.

Fernandez was booked within the opening five minutes after pulling down Camilo Duran during a Rangers defensive move. The centre-back was then involved in another foul shortly afterwards, bringing down Celtic midfielder Benjamin Nygren while already on a yellow card.

Despite the situation, Beaton decided against showing Fernandez a second booking. The defender stayed on the pitch as Rangers went on to claim a 1-0 victory.

The decision has continued to attract attention since the final whistle, with former players and refereeing analysts offering different views on whether Fernandez should have received a second yellow.

Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday admitted the defender was fortunate to remain on the field, although he suggested the timing and circumstances of the challenge may have played a role in Beaton’s decision.

Fernandez avoids second yellow

Fernandez’s first booking came just minutes into the match when he brought down Duran in an attacking area.

He was then penalised again soon afterwards for a challenge on Nygren.

With Fernandez already cautioned, another yellow card would have resulted in an immediate red and left Rangers with ten players.

Beaton, however, decided that the offence did not warrant another booking and allowed play to continue.

That decision has since been heavily discussed.

Record Sport refereeing analyst Des Roache was among those who felt Fernandez had been given a major reprieve.

Roache believed the foul on Nygren was worthy of a yellow card, which would consequently have seen Fernandez sent off.

He considered it a clear enough offence for another caution and argued that the Rangers defender was fortunate to escape without further punishment.

Halliday explains why Fernandez was lucky

Speaking on BBC Sportsound, Halliday also acknowledged that Fernandez could have accepted a second yellow had Beaton chosen to issue one.

However, the former Rangers midfielder felt the incident was not completely straightforward when viewed again.

Halliday suggested the replay made it appear as though Fernandez and Nygren had effectively challenged for the ball and kicked into one another.

He explained that such incidents can sometimes lead to a booking, while referees can also decide that no additional punishment is necessary.

Even so, Halliday agreed that Fernandez had enjoyed a slice of luck.

He particularly pointed to the timing of the incident, with the foul occurring very early in the match.

A second yellow at that stage would have forced Rangers to play almost the entire game with ten men, and Halliday suggested