Livingston manager David Martindale has revealed that referee John Beaton personally phoned him this week to discuss the controversial handball incident that went unpunished during his side’s defeat to Rangers last weekend.
The flashpoint came midway through the first half with the score tied at one goal apiece when Emmanuel Fernandez appeared to handle the ball inside the box, only for on-field referee Ross Hardie to wave play on and VAR, led by Beaton on the day, to decline to intervene.
At the time, the explanation offered to Livingston was that the ball had ricocheted onto Fernandez’s arm from another part of his body, a scenario which falls under the exemption within Law 12 of the IFAB Laws of the Game.
The law states that a handball offence should not be given when “the ball comes directly from the player’s own head, body or foot and then touches their hand or arm.” Officials judged that the contact fell into this category and therefore did not constitute a punishable offence.
Martindale, however, remained unconvinced in the immediate aftermath, expressing frustration over the lack of clarity and insisting that the incident merited at least a second look – claiming it was a “100 percent penalty”.
Speaking ahead of Livingston’s Premiership meeting with Aberdeen, he confirmed that Beaton had contacted him to offer further explanation, an unusual but appreciated gesture.
“I got a phone call from John, which I thought was really decent of him,” Martindale said.
“He took the time to walk me through what he saw, what VAR saw, and why they didn’t ask the referee to go to the monitor. I don’t have to agree with the decision, but at least I understand the rationale behind it a bit better.”
Martindale reiterated that he still believed the situation was “a 50/50 call at best,” but stressed he was not interested in fuelling conspiracy or controversy. Instead, he used the moment to call for greater transparency and consistency in how VAR decisions are communicated to clubs and supporters.
“It’s not about pointing fingers,” he added.
“All managers want is a level of understanding.
“Decisions like that matter, they can change games, they can change seasons. If we know exactly why something was given or not given, even if we don’t like it, it makes it easier for everyone.”
With Livingston searching for crucial points and Aberdeen arriving under pressure of their own, Martindale hopes the focus this weekend will be on football rather than officiating.
But his willingness to openly discuss the issue, and Beaton’s proactive response, marks a rare moment of alignment between managers and match officials in a season where VAR scrutiny shows no sign of easing.
Rangers themselves have been on the wrong end of poor refereeing when Celtic defender Austin Trusty was not dismissed for a clear kick on the head of Gers keeper’ Jack Butland during last month's Old Firm League Cup semi-final.