A man has been arrested for leaking the personal details online of referee John Beaton, who awarded Celtic a controversial penalty that could decide the fate of the Scottish title race.
Police Scotland said on Friday a 19-year-old man has been charged with a data protection offence after Beaton and his family were placed under police surveillance.
Celtic and Hearts will go head-to-head on Saturday in a title decider at the end of the most dramatic Scottish season for decades.
Hearts are aiming to end a 41-year wait for a side outwith Glasgow giants Celtic and Rangers to win the league.
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The Jambos will take a one point lead into the final day, but would have had a more comfortable cushion but for Celtic’s late winner from the penalty spot to beat Motherwell 3-2 on Wednesday.
The decision was fiercely criticised with Hearts manager Derek McInnes labelling it “disgusting.”
In response, the Scottish Football Association (SFA) hit back at the tone of language used by players, coaches and pundits in recent days.
“Such vigilantism, motivated by decisions perceived to be right or wrong on a field of play, is a scourge on our national game and we are grateful to Police Scotland for their swift intervention,” the SFA said in a statement.
“We are also clear, sadly, that this is the inevitable consequence of the heightening criticism, intolerance and scapegoating demonstrated this season by media pundits, supporters, official supporters’ groups, clubs, players, managers and former match officials.”
Published on May 16, 2026