Viaplay Cup Final: Match officials and VAR announced for Rangers vs Celtic Hampden showdown

Nick Walsh has been confirmed as the referee for the Viaplay Cup Final clash between Rangers and Celtic at Hampden Park later this month.

The Glasgow giants will go head-to-head at the national stadium on Sunday, February 26 with the first piece of silverware up for grabs this season.

Michael Beale, who remains undefeated as manager of the Ibrox side after 13 matches, will lead his team into battle against their biggest rivals, with opposite number Ange Postecoglou bidding to retain the trophy he won for the first time last season.

Celtic edged out Kilmarnock in the first of two semi-finals last month, while Rangers eventually managed to overcome Aberdeen after extra-time to book their place in the final - a match controlled by Walsh who brandished Dons skipper Anthony Stewart with a late red card for a rash challenge on Fashion Sakala.

The Scottish FA have named the experienced official as the man in the middle, with the 32-year-old set to take charge of his third Old Firm derby. His previous assignment came back in September when Celtic ran out 4-0 winners at Parkhead, courtesy of Liel Abada’s brace and further goals from Felipe Jota and David Turnbull.

Prior to that, Walsh sent off Hoops captain Callum McGregor during Rangers’ 4-1 win at Ibrox behind closed doors during the Covid pandemic in May 2021.

He will be assisted by Frank Connor and David Roome running the lines, while Kevin Clancy takes on fourth official duties. John Beaton will be at the VAR controls with Graeme Stewart named as his assistant.

Walsh’s latest match between Hearts and Dundee United at the start of February saw him dish out five yellow cards and two red cards to Josh Ginnelly and Ryan Edwards during a feisty Scottish Premiership clash.

Former referee Steve Conroy reckons the appointment is “the right choice.” He told Grosvenor Sport: “Nick has been the best referee in the country since Bobby Madden left, but he has not been free from talking points or controversy this season, as we saw in the Hearts-Celtic game in October when a Michael Smith handball went unpunished.

“Nick did his first derby during Covid, so he was away from the baying masses, but he covered Celtic’s 4-0 win over Rangers earlier in the season, so he knows what to expect, and he won’t be over-awed. Nothing will come as a surprise to him, and he won’t be over-awed.

“It’s the first major final to use new technology, and after all of the issues we’ve had this season, the powers that be will be hoping it goes smoothly and without anything to discuss, but it certainly adds tension to it, that’s for sure, given it’s a Celtic-Rangers final. Let’s hope if John Beaton has to get involved, it doesn’t take four minutes to get to the decision, which is so frustrating for everyone involved.

“And in that regard, tell the fans what’s going on. I think the SFA have been quote contemptuous of the public. We are the consumers. We are buying the product, and therefore, the paying public should be kept informed. They need to make announcements quickly on VAR calls and get the graphics on the big screens.”