NafisaThe fallout from last weekend’s Old Firm clash has taken another twist after the Scottish FA confirmed the officiating team for Sunday’s rematch at Celtic Park with Nick Walsh handed a surprise role just seven days after his controversial night at Ibrox.
Walsh was the man in the middle when Rangers swept Celtic aside 3-0 in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final, a result that sent Derek McInnes’ side into the semi-finals and left Martin O’Neill’s team facing serious questions.
But it was not only Rangers’ dominant performance that dominated the aftermath.
One of the biggest talking points centred on an incident inside the Rangers penalty area involving Kasper Høgh and Olwethu Makhanya, with Celtic supporters questioning why a penalty was not awarded.
Now the Scottish FA has revealed its appointments for the Premiership Old Firm meeting, and Walsh is involved once again.
Only this time, he will not be taking charge from the middle.
Nick Walsh gets surprise Old Firm role:
John Beaton has been appointed referee for Sunday’s 12pm kick-off at Celtic Park, with David McGeachie and Jonathan Bell named as his assistants.
The major talking point, however, is in the VAR room.
Walsh has been appointed as VAR, with Grant Irvine assisting him.
That means the official who refereed last weekend’s controversial derby will be back inside the Old Firm spotlight only seven days later — although in a completely different capacity.
The Scottish FA’s announcement does not indicate that Walsh has been suspended or punished over his decisions at Ibrox.
Instead, he has been selected as part of the officiating team for another hugely significant meeting between the Glasgow rivals.
For Celtic supporters who were already unhappy with some of the decisions from the first derby, his return is likely to attract plenty of attention.
The pressure on the VAR official will be particularly intense if another major incident occurs inside either penalty area.
Beaton takes charge of Celtic vs Rangers
While Walsh moves into the VAR room, Beaton will take responsibility for the action on the pitch.
The experienced official has plenty of history with the Old Firm fixture and most recently took charge of the dramatic 2-2 draw between Celtic and Rangers at Ibrox in March.
Rangers looked to be cruising after Youssef Chermiti scored twice before Celtic fought their way back into the contest.
Kieran Tierney pulled one goal back shortly after half-time before Beaton became central to the late drama.
VAR Steven McLean recommended that Beaton review a possible Dujon Sterling handball at the pitchside monitor.
After reviewing the incident, the referee awarded Celtic a penalty.
Reo Hatate saw his first attempt saved by Jack Butland, but Celtic eventually bundled the rebound over the line to secure a 2-2 draw in stoppage time.
Beaton has also handled several other major fixtures involving Celtic and Rangers, including the 2024 League Cup final at Hampden.
His appointment therefore brings another experienced official into what is already expected to be a fiercely contested rematch.
Celtic face immediate chance to respond
The timing could hardly be more dramatic for O’Neill’s side.
Celtic were beaten 3-0 by Rangers at Ibrox last Sunday, with Dan Neil scoring twice and Kevin Kelsy also finding the net as Rangers produced a commanding display.
The result ended Celtic’s involvement in the Premier Sports Cup and gave Rangers the psychological boost of winning the first Old Firm meeting of the campaign.
Now the two teams meet again — this time with Celtic having home advantage.
There is another obstacle before then, however.
Celtic face Ferencváros in the Europa League on Thursday, meaning O’Neill has only a few days to prepare his squad for another major test before Rangers arrive at Celtic Park.
The Premiership meeting also gives Celtic an opportunity to respond immediately to the humiliation at Ibrox.
But with Walsh now sitting in the VAR chair and Beaton taking charge on the pitch, the latest Scottish FA announcement has added another layer of intrigue to a fixture already carrying enormous pressure.
After the controversy of the first meeting, every major decision on Sunday is likely to receive even greater scrutiny.
Nafisa
