Celtic have to ‘beat the officials’ amid ‘massive’ claim – expert
Frank McAvennie has claimed Celtic will need to “beat the officials” as well as Rangers in Monday’s mouthwatering showdown (2 January).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Hoops striker hopes the Glasgow derby won’t be ruined by “dubious decisions” from the officials.
As relayed by The Scotsman (21 December), it was confirmed John Beaton would be taking charge of the fixture for the fifth time in his career.
The four previous games Beaton has refereed resulted in a draw, a Celtic victory and two Rangers’ victories.
The Celts have also had their allocation limited once again as the club received 708 tickets for the clash at Ibrox.
McAvennie claimed it will be an uphill battle for Ange Postecoglou’s side, but not from a footballing perspective.
“Celtic have got to beat the officials on Monday as well,” he told Football Insider.
“I hope that the game lives up to everything everyone expects it to. I do not want referees to decide the game. I do not want a dodgy penalty. I just want a game.
“It is the biggest game shown round the world, it is massive. I just wish they would let more fans in. The two of them are petty, even Celtic.
“It used to be the best atmosphere in the world so I wish they would get back to that. But I hope there is no dubious decisions that affect the outcome of the game.“
In other news, McManus has fumed amid ‘shocking’ David Turnbull development at Celtic.