What Rangers figures have said about referee Nick Walsh after Hibs announcement
Rangers play Hibernian at Ibrox in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.
Russell Martin remains under intense scrutiny and knows that elimination from the cup could spell the end of his Rangers career.
Nick Walsh has been appointed as the referee for Rangers versus Hibs, with the announcement proving to be controversial among key Ibrox figures, past and present.
Nick Walsh at the heart of many controversial decisions involving Rangers
Neil McCann criticised Walsh for his poor handling of an incident involving Max Aarons during Rangers’ 1-1 draw with St. Mirren earlier in the season.
On 24 August, he said: “Nick Walsh. He’s too happy with the yellow cards. There’s absolutely no need for it. It’s ridiculous.”
McCann is not the only one to criticise Walsh, as the Four Lads Had A Dream social media account brutally called him out for an incident that took place in January.
On 26 January, they said: “Walsh, genuinely a cheat, that is embarrassing.
“I can’t believe he sticks with that. That is never a red card. Disgusting from Walsh.”
- Walsh sent off Mohamed Diomande for a weak shove on Kevin Holt during Rangers’ 3-1 win over Dundee United
- VAR advised Walsh to change his mind, yet he stuck to his original decision of a red card
- Rangers appealed the decision to the Scottish FA, and the suspension
It’s clear that Rangers fans are unhappy with the appointment, at a time when nothing seems to be going well for them.
Refereeing decisions went against Rangers in the match against Hearts, and Martin will be hoping the must-win tie against Hibs isn’t tainted by Walsh’s refereeing performance.
Refereeing display vs Hearts cost Rangers
Despite playing woefully and not deserving any result against Hearts, the key decisions went against Rangers at Ibrox.
The ball clearly hit Lawrence Shankland’s arm in the build-up to his opening goal, with the referee and the VAR failing to spot it.
In the second half, Derek Cornelius thought he had equalised for Rangers after prodding home following a goalmouth scramble.
Referee Steven McLean felt Thelo Aasgard impeded Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, although replays show that the contact was minimal.
Martin will need the standard of refereeing to improve if he is to have any chance of surviving as the Rangers manager.
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