Ex-refs chief slams John Beaton over game-changing St Johnstone vs Kilmarnock controversy

John Beaton was wrong to intervene during a game-altering moment in the seven-goal thriller between St Johnstone and Kilmarnock.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the referee's harsh call had consquences at McDiarmid Park.

It was an incredible first game back in the Scottish Premiership for the Saints, with Kai Fotheringham securing all three points on Sunday, 2 August.

However, it was the contentious awarding of a free-kick which sparked the comeback for the home side in the 69th minute, who graciously benefitted from the decision.

Before an own goal from Michael Schjonning-Larsen, Jamie Brandon was accused of fouling Reece McAlear on the edge of the penalty area.

Following the game, Chris Sutton, Kris Boyd and James McFadden all argued over the controversy, but Hackett was far more concerned by the lack of defending once the decision was given.

'John Beaton hasn't got the right angle'

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett was not convinced that Beaton had made the right decision in awarding a free-kick in St Johnstone's favour.

"Beaton's a very experienced referee but I think he's got that one wrong. That for me is not a foul," he said.

"Not every challenge is a foul. Football is a contact sport. I don't think we can use the word 'intent' because that's no longer in the law.

"But I don't think the defender here has any inclination to foul his opponent. What the forward's done is feel contact and go down to win a free-kick.

"John Beaton probably hasn't got the angle that we've got on camera. VAR can't come in on it. So for me, it's a judgement call and I wouldn't be awarding a free kick.

"I would be allowing play to continue, but he's decided, 'I'm going to come in'. He judged it as a foul. The consequences of that, if they're going to score, is down to other things: defending and players.

"What we should analyse is, was that a free kick? In my opinion, no. So he got that one wrong. But the outcome from a free-kick is the actions of defenders and attackers."

What are St Johnstone's chances of securing Scottish Premiership safety?

Having only just won promotion back to the Scottish Premiership, the majority of fans will just be hoping to remain in the division this season.

The Saints have gotten off to the best start, claiming all three points against Killie, but there is a huge challenge ahead of them to secure safety.

Right now, one major bookmaker have St Johnstone priced at 9/2 to finish bottom of the table, with Falkirk and Kilmarnock more likely, or so it is believed.

Simo Valakari's side are still priced at 2/11 to finish in bottom six, predicting a tough few months ahead, but the players can take huge confidence from their opening-day win.