Celtic head to Ayrshire to take on Kilmarnock in what could prove to be a defining afternoon in the Scottish Premiership title battle. In a double-header, Martin O’Neill’s men face Killie while Hearts make the trip to Ibrox to meet Rangers.
Celtic must heap pressure on both Hearts and Rangers by sweeping aside 11th-placed Killie; however, it is rarely straightforward at Rugby Park and another stern test awaits.
The SFA have announced the appointment of referee Duncan Nicolson for the encounter at Rugby Park.
Nicolala on has overseen one Celtic fixture this season, a narrow 1-0 victory over Dundee before Martin O’Neill stepped aside ahead of Wilfried Nancy’s ill-fated tenure.
Scott Anderson and Alastair Taylor will run the lines in support of Nicolson.
Meanwhile, Greg Aitken will operate on VAR duty at Clydesdale House, with Chris Graham alongside him.
Nicolson may not be among the most high-profile officials, but he recently came under strong criticism from Celtic icon Neil Lennon. The Irishman took aim at the match official when speaking to the BBC following what he viewed as a substandard performance during Dunfermline’s clash with Ross County back in October.
“I haven’t been this angry with the officials for a long, long time.
“And even at the end I’ve had to go into his office and speak about the way the assistant linesman made disparaging comments to one of my coaching staff.
“If this is the level we are getting to we are in trouble.”
“We are getting done by referees and particularly that one.
“I’ve already asked the head of referees – I don’t want him refereeing any of our games again.
“He’s either incompetent or I don’t know what the word I’m looking for is…
“I’ll leave to the club to report back to Willie. I’ve been in the game a long time and that attitude from a certain individual is unacceptable.”