SCOTTISH FOOTBALL: Rangers boss Mark Warburton blames referee after Aberdeen defeat

Rangers boss Mark Warburton says referee John Beaton cost his side a point after awarding the free-kick which led to Aberdeen's dramatic Pittodrie winner.
Mark WarburtonMark Warburton
Mark Warburton

James Tavernier was harshly penalised for a foul on Johnny Hayes and the match official’s mistake proved decisive as James Maddison whipped home a stunning stoppage-time set-piece to seal a 2-1 victory.

It is another dose of disappointment for Gers, who have managed just two wins from their seven Ladbrokes Premiership fixtures, leaving them floundering in the bottom half of the table.

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Warburton tried to play it diplomatically after the match but could not hide his annoyance at Beaton’s big call.

He said: “I thought the referee handled a difficult game very well. He did a really good job up to that point, but to give that one there is frustrating beyond belief.

“I will be careful what I say about the free-kick. Everyone saw the ball move. The fourth official on the sidelines saw the ball move and made a comment. And yet a free-kick is given.

“You have got to be, I think, 100 per cent sure in these type of games, in those areas of the park.

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“It was an outstanding tackle. Late in the game, when your players are fatigued, I thought Tav made an excellent tackle there.

“I don’t think their player moaned about it and it is a huge decision to give and it cost us the game, but what can you do?”