Don Robertson and VAR team must be strong for Glasgow derby as Rangers pressure officials

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Don Robertson has his work cut out for him at Ibrox when Celtic take on Rangers this week.

The referee has been chosen by the Scottish FA as the man in the middle for the January 2 clash between Glasgow’s big two.

His VAR officials will be Nick Walsh and his assistant Daniel McFarlane who both also have difficult jobs in the wake of the Premier Sports Cup Final a few short weeks ago.

• READ MORE: Paulo Bernardo clamps Rangers penalty claim as star highlights why Celtic ‘deserved’ cup glory

Robertson‘s most recent derby lead came back in September of last year when Kyogo fired in the only goal of the game as Celts ran out 1-0 winners away from home.

That fixture was not short of controversy when a foul on Gustaf Lagerbielke was flagged by the VAR despite Kemar Roofe netting from a Cyriel Dessers pass.

However this week’s action has the referee team under the most pressure in some time despite some suggesting the derby is a “dead rubber” with Celtic leading the Premiership by 14 points.

Liam Scales caused a stir in the opposite end of Hampden during the cup final when he fouled Vaclav Cerny on the line.

Don Robertson is ref for Rangers vs Celtic with Nick Walsh on VAR

Many demanded a penalty kick while Bobby Madden claimed it was a pen, but ref John Beaton called it a free-kick following VAR’s checks.

That sent Rangers into a meltdown and Statement FC hit out with numerous towards the SFA.

The governing body also issued a statement of their own while Willie Collum admitted the ref team got the decision wrong.

The whistler’s chief lambasted the officials of the Cup Final following the spot-kick drama in a lengthy conversation about the decision.

And the two VAR officials were dropped from duty the next week.

The powderkeg atmosphere at Ibrox shouldn’t sway the ref

Now that could potentially make Don Robertson’s job impossible at Ibrox when the game rolls around.

Especially considering the match will be played with a 100 percent Rangers fan swing.

No away supporters inside the stadium could make it a very hostile atmosphere for the Hoops – not that it has bothered them before – but the referee could also have a tough afternoon.

They will have to be strong where the right calls are to be made regardless of the powderkeg environment.