Referee set to take charge of first Celtic Park Glasgow derby clash

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The SFA have confirmed that the referee for Celtic’s Glasgow Derby clash this weekend against Rangers will be Nick Walsh.

Ange Postecoglou’s side will host the first derby fixture of the campaign, coming into the game on fine form after picking up maximum points from their opening five league outings.

The Hoops will be looking to extend their points advantage at the top of the Scottish Premiership to five, with an early chance to open up a gap over our rivals.

On Tuesday afternoon, the SFA confirmed that the man in the middle of Saturday’s huge derby clash will be Nick Walsh.

The 31-year-old, who now has regular experience of being in charge of both Celtic and Rangers games, will be joined by assistants Graeme Stewart and Calum Spence, as well as fourth official Steven McLean.

So far this season, Walsh has taken charge of one Hoops fixture at Celtic Park, officiating the Bhoys Scottish Premiership opener against Aberdeen.

Walsh has previous experience of the Glasgow Derby fixture, having refereed the Ibrox side’s 4-1 victory during the 2020/21 campaign.

However, this weekend’s outing will be his first Derby fixture in front of a packed out stadium, with his previous experience being behind closed doors.

Last season, the likes of Bobby Madden, John Beaton and Willie Collum were all handed the opportunity to officiate the firey fixture. However, it will be a new man in the middle, in front of a loud Celtic Park derby day crowd for the first time on Saturday.

Each week in Scottish Football, there seems to be a new talking point regarding a referee’s performance in games across the country.

All eyes are likely to be on this weekend’s Derby fixture, with the biggest game in Scotland being played out for the first time this season.

With VAR being brought into place later this campaign, there is no doubting that every decision made by Nick Walsh on the day will be scrutinised during and after the match.

Ange Postecoglou will be hoping that no poor decisions will be the downfall of his side. However, as the 57-year-old has stated on several occasions, he won’t be using that as an excuse.

In other news, Ange Postecoglou admits changes likely v Ross County as he provides latest Celtic injury update.