Celtic vs Rangers referee and VAR officials confirmed for blockbuster first Old Firm derby of the season
The Scottish FA have revealed who will take charge of the blockbuster showdown in Glasgow’s East End this weekend
New SFA Head of Referee Operations Willie Collum has made his first appointment for the opening Premiership Old Firm derby of the season between Celtic and Rangers since replacing Crawford Allan in the Hampden hot seat.
The Hoops entertain their fiercest rivals in what is sure to be another blockbuster occasion at Parkhead this Sunday, with the match set to be played in front of a home crowd only after the latest fallout between the two clubs over safety measures at their respective stadiums.
And it’s John Beaton who has been selected as the man in the middle after the Scottish FA named the officials tasked with handling the grudge match in Glasgow’s East End. The vastly-experienced whistler, 42, was previously in charge of an incident-packed clash at Ibrox last April when six goals were shared and VAR played a huge role as a late Rabbi Matondo equaliser kept Rangers in title contention.
Celtic were awarded a penalty by Beaton after an on-field review showed Connor Goldson had handled the ball, while Rangers were also awarded a spot-kick of their own following a VAR intervention with Beaton reversing his decision to book Wolves loanee Fabio Silva for diving under the challenge of Alistair Johnston.
Andrew Dallas will be the man in control of the VAR monitor at Clydesdale House on this occasion, assisted by Graeme Stewart. Beaton's on-field assistants will be Daniel McFarlane and Jonathan Bell.
Celtic currently sit two points ahead of the Gers after both sides picked up maximum points last weekend. Brendan Rodgers’ men remain unbeaten after winning their first three league games against Kilmarnock, Hibs and St Mirren convincingly, while Philippe Clement’s side started their campaign with a goalless draw away to Hearts but defeated Motherwell and put in their most impressive display of the season so far in a 6-0 hammering of Ross County on Saturday.
There could potentially be several new faces on show in either camp as both teams aim to strengthen their squads before the match with the summer transfer window closing on Friday night.