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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Ewan Murray

Scottish FA criticises McInnes and media after referee requires police protection

John Beaton speaks to Kelechi Iheanacho while also communicating with the video assistant referee officials during the Scottish Premiership match between Motherwell and Celtic
John Beaton refereed the match between Motherwell and Celtic and was subject to police surveillance after his personal details were leaked online. Photograph: Robert Perry/PA

The Scottish Football Association has vehemently criticised a “hysterical media narrative” and taken a swipe at the Hearts manager, Derek McInnes, while revealing one of its match officials and his family spent Thursday night under police protection after controversial incidents which have dominated the conclusion to the ­Premiership season.

McInnes called the stoppage-time award of a penalty to Celtic in Wednesday’s win at Motherwell “disgusting”, with that, plus the denial of a spot-kick for Hearts during their fixture at the same stadium days earlier, dominating discussion. Hearts visit Celtic on Saturday needing a draw to become the first non-Old Firm title winners in 41 years.

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