Vasilis Barkas had a terrible night in Europe, as the former Celtic goalkeeper was sent off during FC Utrecht’s 1-1 Europa League draw with FC Porto, which was officiated by Scottish referee John Beaton with Andrew Dallas on VAR duty.
The familiar coupling raised more than a few eyebrows among Celtic fans, and the ensuing dispute did little to alleviate their concerns.
Barkas, who has been in good form for Utrecht this season, was sent off midway through the second half after colliding with Porto’s Gabri Veiga. Beaton displayed a straight red after consulting VAR, and Dallas confirmed the judgment from the booth. Utrecht, who had just equalized the game, were forced to play the final stages with ten men.
The call prompted fans and analysts alike to question the officiating. On social media, supporters emphasized the leniency of the red card and Veiga’s lack of punishment. One poster asked, “How are you going to remove Vasilis Barkas for this? Gabri Veiga’s performance is ludicrous and a disgrace. It is worth noting that the Spaniard concluded the contest without being cautioned.
For Celtic fans, the presence of Beaton and Dallas in command of crucial European choices evoked feelings of déjà vu. Both officials are well-known to Parkhead fans from domestic matches, and this latest call, involving a former Celt, is unlikely to sway minds.
“What happened?” “To be honest, nothing unusual,” Barkas told Ziggo Sport following the draw. “He (Veiga) approached me and attempted to provoke me. He got really near with his head. I figured he’d get a yellow card, but then I noticed the red card. It astonished me.
“He should’ve received a yellow card. I hope the boy is fine and doesn’t need to go to the hospital. It wasn’t a red card, but I still want to apologize to the fans and teammates. Because of me, they had to play with ten men. Fortunately, Michael Brouwer and the other people performed an excellent job, but I’m quite disappointed.”
Barkas’ sorrow was obvious, but so was his indignation, and many would believe he had every right to dispute the call. After rebuilding his name in the Eredivisie following a disastrous period at Celtic, the Greek international has been a standout for Utrecht, helping to keep the team afloat with solid performances in goal. The dismissal of an experienced goalkeeper for what looked to be slight contact raises serious concerns about the level of uniformity applied in UEFA play this season.
The ruling will only feed controversy about how Beaton and Dallas came to that judgment. VAR replays revealed scant evidence of violent conduct, but the red card was upheld without additional review. Should a goalie be punished for staying firm in the face of a provocation? And why wasn’t Veiga cautioned for his role in the incident? These are the questions being posed in both the Netherlands and Scotland this morning.
The red card could result in Barkas being suspended for the next game, a setback for Utrecht as they attempt to climb the league table, but the debate will not evaporate fast. UEFA may face requests to investigate the officiating process, especially considering the Scottish duo’s involvement and the reaction of fans who believe justice was not served.
Celtic fans found it bitterly ironic that Beaton and Dallas were once again at the center of a scandal concerning a former Hoops player.
Barkas may no longer be in Glasgow, but the Scottish officiating duo made his night in Portugal one to remember, and not for the right reasons. Many will question whether the principles of fairness and consistency in officiating were truly learned.
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