Rangers v Celtic: SFA at centre of ‘Odd’ referee appointment decision
Rangers and Celtic are still waiting to find out who will referee their Old Firm clash on Thursday at Ibrox in an “odd” development, according to Behind The Whistles.
The Des Roache and Steve Conroy-presented show posted on X (30 December) after checking the Scottish FA’s website, to find that the referee allocation for the match on 2 January is yet to be populated.
Roach and Conroy, both former SFA officials themselves, were surprised at how long the decision has taken to be locked in, but suggested that either Nick Walsh, Don Robertson or Kevin Clancy would be given the nod.
They said: “Checking SFA Website for Referee allocation for Rangers v Celtic – it doesn’t appear to have been populated yet. Odd considering the game’s on Thursday.
“Based on John Beaton having taken the last 2 it’s probably going to be Nick Walsh, Don Robertson or Kevin Clancy.
“Anyone else had any joy in getting the SFA site to populate a result?”
Rangers v Celtic marked by uncertainty on and off the pitch
The Bears in particular will be hoping to find out who’ll be taking charge of their new-year clash this week, given their Scottish League Cup Final defeat to Celtic on 15 December was marred in controversy.
John Beaton had the whistle for that pulsating clash at Hampden Park, eventually won on penalties by Celtic following a 3-3 draw, and was at the centre of a contentious penalty call going against the Gers.
Though the reaction from Liam Scales’ unpunished shirt pull on Vaclav Cerny has been aimed at Willie Collum’s VAR team, Beaton making the right call straight away would have prevented such a fallout.
As a result, the Ibrox faithful will be thankful if Beaton is given the night off, but they’ll be even more thankful if a change in the dugout comes to pass before rivalries are renewed [Bill Leckie, 30 December].
Philippe Clement is hanging on by a thread after dismal results against at St Mirren and Motherwell, and the Belgian’s sacking could lift the mood to such an extent that the refeereing sins of 15 days ago are forgotten.
In other Rangers news, the club have agreed another off-field appointment with a four-month wait until they take charge at Ibrox.
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