Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago
Match

Rangers fans will be raging at latest SFA announcement for the Old Firm Derby

Jack Dawson
Jack Dawson

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Rangers are set to take on Celtic in the Old Firm derby on Saturday in what could be a massive game in the race for the Scottish Premiership title.

Both sides have had dire campaigns to date, with the appointment of Wilfried Nancy clearly not working out at Celtic so far.

This has helped the Gers catch the Hoops, and they could leapfrog them with a win at Celtic Park.

However, their chances of three points may have just taken a hit, with the SFA announcing on 31 December that Steven McLean will be the referee for the tie.

Steven McLean has caused Old Firm controversy

McLean has been at the centre of multiple controversial Rangers moments this season.

However, perhaps his most contentious decision came in the Old Firm derby earlier this season.

During the 3-1 defeat in the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals, the referee was on VAR duty for the clash.

Multiple decisions would go against the Gers this match, including Auston Trusty not being sent off for Celtic for a challenge on Jack Butland, a decision that was later deemed wrong.

Therefore, Rangers fans will no doubt be fuming that he is in charge of a derby after his terrible display on VAR duty, in what could prove to be a crucial game come the end of the season.

If McLean makes a similar decision on the field, it may not only cost the Gers Champions League football next season, but also their first league title since 2021.

What is Steven McLean’s refereeing record this season?

So far this season, McLean has taken charge of 12 Scottish Premiership matches.

According to WhoScored on 2 January, this has resulted in 44 yellow cards and one red card.

This averages out to 3.67 and 0.08 yellow and red cards every game to date.

On average, the referee is awarding 24.17 fouls per match as well as giving 0.33 penalties per game.

However, it remains to be seen if this trend continues for the Old Firm derby, in what is sure to be a feisty affair at Celtic Park on Saturday.

Rangers
Celtic
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