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Old Firm Derby Ref Drama: Nick Walsh Back in Spotlight as Rangers and Celtic Prepare for Ibrox Clash
Rangers and Celtic are set to collide once again in a high-stakes Scottish Premiership encounter at Ibrox on Sunday.
The fixture, while no longer pivotal to the title race—Celtic having already secured the league crown—still carries massive significance in terms of pride and bragging rights.
The Gers enter the match with momentum, having emerged victorious in their last two meetings with the Hoops.
Despite having little to play for, Rangers will be eager to complete a third successive win against their fiercest rivals, offering their supporters something to celebrate as they eye a stronger title challenge next season.
The club’s internal restructuring continues, with Barry Ferguson still acting as interim manager following Philippe Clement’s departure, while the search for a permanent head coach is ongoing amid takeover developments.
Celtic, on the other hand, are riding high following a dominant 5-0 demolition of Dundee United.
With Brendan Rodgers at the helm, the newly crowned champions aim to finish their campaign on a high by finally overcoming Rangers in 2025.
The summer promises to be a crucial one for the Glasgow giants, with Rodgers likely to revamp his squad to prepare for another title defense.
The officiating team for Sunday’s showdown has been confirmed: Nick Walsh will take charge of the match, assisted by Frank Connor and Dougie Potter, while Andrew Dallas will oversee VAR operations.
Walsh’s appointment is already drawing attention due to past controversies—most notably, his decision to send off Mohamed Diomande earlier in the season against Dundee United for an apparent slap, despite VAR urging a review.
That red card was eventually overturned on appeal.
Referees chief Willie Collum later acknowledged that the incident lacked the excessive force or brutality to merit a red, suggesting that a yellow card would have been more appropriate for both Diomande and the opposing player involved in the altercation.
Nonetheless, Walsh’s determination to stick by his initial call has left fans divided—and ensures that every decision he makes on Sunday will be under intense scrutiny.
As both sides gear up for another explosive edition of the Old Firm, all eyes won’t just be on the players—but on the man with the whistle.
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