NafisaLast weekend’s Old Firm drama has barely had time to settle, but the Scottish FA has already delivered another major talking point ahead of Sunday’s rematch and Celtic supporters are unlikely to be thrilled by the latest referee news.
Nick Walsh’s performance at Ibrox was already under intense scrutiny from the Celtic support following Rangers’ 3-0 victory, with the controversial penalty incident involving Kasper Høgh and Olwethu Makhanya becoming one of the biggest talking points of the afternoon.
Now, just seven days later, Walsh has been handed another role in the fixture.
The Scottish FA has confirmed the full officiating team for Sunday’s Premiership clash at Celtic Park, and while Walsh will not take charge of the match this time, he has been selected for VAR duty.
That decision comes after calls from sections of the Celtic support for Walsh to face consequences following his involvement in last weekend’s derby.
Instead, the experienced official is heading straight back into the Old Firm spotlight.
Scottish FA makes Old Firm referee announcement
John Beaton has been appointed referee for Sunday’s 12pm Premiership meeting between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park, with David McGeachie and Jonathan Bell named as his assistant referees.
Nick Walsh will operate as VAR, with Grant Irvine assisting him.
The appointment means Walsh has effectively gone from being the man in the middle for last weekend’s cup quarter-final to one of the officials responsible for reviewing major decisions from the video room in the next meeting.
The Scottish FA has not announced any suspension or disciplinary ban for Walsh. His appointment instead forms part of the official referee team confirmed for the second Old Firm meeting in the space of just seven days.
That is certain to attract attention given everything that happened at Ibrox.
Rangers produced a commanding 3-0 victory to knock Celtic out of the Premier Sports Cup, but one of the most debated moments involved an incident inside the Rangers penalty area.
With Celtic trailing, Makhanya appeared to climb over Høgh and pull him to the ground, but Walsh did not award a penalty.
There was no pitchside review, leaving Celtic supporters questioning why the incident had not resulted in a spot-kick.
The controversy has since ensured that Walsh’s return to the fixture has immediately become a talking point.
Beaton returns for another Old Firm clash
While Walsh’s VAR appointment has attracted much of the attention, Beaton will be the man responsible for taking charge of proceedings on the pitch.
The experienced referee has plenty of history in the fixture and most recently handled Celtic’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Rangers at Ibrox on March 1.
Rangers appeared to be heading for victory after Youssef Chermiti scored twice before Celtic mounted a late comeback.
Kieran Tierney pulled one back shortly after half-time before the game produced further drama in the closing stages.
Beaton was sent to the pitchside monitor after VAR Steven McLean recommended a review of a possible Dujon Sterling handball.
The referee subsequently awarded Celtic a penalty.
Reo Hatate saw his initial effort saved by Jack Butland, but Celtic eventually scrambled the ball over the line to level the contest in stoppage time.
Beaton has also previously taken charge of major Old Firm occasions, including the 2024 League Cup final between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden.
His latest appointment therefore brings another familiar face into the middle for what promises to be a highly charged encounter.
Celtic now face another huge test
For Martin O’Neill and his players, however, the focus cannot remain solely on the officials.
Celtic have the chance to respond immediately after being comprehensively beaten at Ibrox, but they must first navigate Thursday’s Europa League meeting with Ferencváros at Celtic Park.
Rangers will then arrive three days later for the Premiership rematch.
The contrast could hardly be greater.
Seven days ago, Rangers controlled the derby and advanced in the cup with a 3-0 victory. This time, Celtic have home advantage and a chance to respond in front of their own supporters.
But with Walsh now in the VAR room and Beaton taking charge on the pitch, the officiating team is already providing another layer of intrigue before the ball is even kicked.
For Celtic supporters still angry over the major decisions debated from last weekend, the sight of Walsh returning to the Old Firm — albeit in a different role — is unlikely to pass quietly.
And with another derby arriving only seven days after the first, every major decision on Sunday will be placed under the microscope.
Nafisa
