SFA make controversial announcement for Rangers vs Hibernian showdown at Ibrox
Rangers are set to face Hibernian in the Scottish Cup quarter-final, in what is set to be a hostile atmosphere at Ibrox.
The Union Bears have called for the sackings of Russell Martin and Patrick Stewart, and have organised protests to take place at Ibrox at the game if their demands are not met.
Martin is under huge pressure to win the game after failing to secure a victory in the Scottish Premiership, but Rangers will face a tough test against third-place Hibernian.
Their task has only been made more difficult, as the Scottish FA have now made an announcement which is sure to go down badly among Rangers fans.
Nick Walsh appointed referee for Rangers vs Hibernian
The Scottish League Cup is likely to be Rangers’ biggest shot at silverware this season, but their task now looks even more daunting.
The match officials for the Ibrox clash have been confirmed, and Nick Walsh has been appointed the referee for the cup tie.
Walsh is a referee who is very well known to Rangers fans, having given several controversial decisions against them in the past, as well as making several questionable calls in favour of Celtic.
| Rangers matches | 54 |
| Rangers Wins | 38 |
| Rangers Draws | 9 |
| Rangers Defeats | 7 |
| Rangers Yellow Cards | 87 |
| Rangers Red cards | 3 |
| Rangers penalties | 10 |
| Opposition Red Cards | 9 |
| Opposition Penalties | 3 |
Walsh has officiated Rangers more than any other side, and while he has handed them three red cards in the past, he has never handed a straight red card to a Celtic player.
Nick Walsh could get Russell Martin sacked
Rangers were on the end of some controversial refereeing decisions in their defeat to Hearts, and this result was arguably the nail in the coffin for Martin.
Despite this, the Rangers owners have backed Martin for now, but a cup exit at Ibrox could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back with regard to the manager.
Any controversial decisions handed against Rangers could jeopardise the result, and a bad refereeing call could be what ends Martin’s time at Ibrox if Walsh continues his track record in Rangers matches.
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