The SFA has confirmed the officiating team for this weekend’s massive Old Firm derby, with Steven McLean appointed as the referee for the fiery showdown at Parkhead. Meanwhile, John Beaton will take on a crucial role as VAR official, assisted by Sean Carr.
McLean in Charge of Old Firm Battle
McLean will oversee the fourth Celtic vs. Rangers clash of the season, marking his third time officiating the fixture. His last Old Firm appearance came in May 2023, when Rangers thrashed Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic 3-0 at Ibrox. Before that, he refereed the New Year’s Eve clash in 2016, which saw Celtic edge Rangers 2-1 in Govan.
He will be assisted by Graeme Stewart and Dougie Potter, while fourth official Matthew MacDermid will be on the sidelines.
What’s at Stake?
Brendan Rodgers’ league leaders could go 19 points clear with a home victory, putting them within two games of securing their 55th title. However, a rare away win for Barry Ferguson’s Rangers—in his first Glasgow derby as interim boss—would at least delay Celtic’s title party.
This match will also mark the return of away fans to the fixture for the first time since 2023, with around 2,500 Rangers supporters set to be in attendance.
Huge Week for Rangers
Before their Parkhead trip, Rangers must finish the job against Fenerbahce in their Europa League last-16 second leg on Thursday. Barry Ferguson’s men hold a 3-1 aggregate lead and are favorites to knock out Jose Mourinho’s side and reach the quarter-finals.
Can McLean and Beaton handle the Old Firm chaos, or will controversy dominate yet another derby day?
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