As we get set for a busy period of games in December, leading into January, the referee appointments for Celtic’s fixtures have been confirmed [SFA].
Across the next 13 days, the Bhoys are in action on four occasions as they look to continue their strong start to the Scottish Premiership season.
First up for Ange Postecoglou’s side is two home games against Livingston and St Johnstone before Christmas, ahead of trips to take on Hibernian and Rangers.
That run of games kicks off later on this evening, with the Hoops in action against David Martindale’s team as they return to Paradise.
In charge of that fixture is referee Euan Anderson, who will be joined on the sidelines by assistant Ross MacLeod and David Doig, as well as fourth official Matthew MacDermid [SFA].
On VAR duties this evening is Steven Kirkland, as the new technology prepares for its first outing at Parkhead since early November.
Next up is the Christmas Eve fixture with St Johnstone, and Kevin Clancy will be the referee for that one, alongside Alan Mulvanny, John McCrossan and Lloyd Wilson as fourth official. Mike Roncone is the head VAR official for the final game in the East End of Glasgow in 2022.
For the Bhoys’ final Scottish Premiership fixture of the year against Hibernian, Alan Muir is the man in charge of that one, being joined by Calum Spence, Drew Kirkland and Andrew Dallas (VAR).
It has certainly been quite the year for all referees in this country. So, I am sure they will be looking to round things off with as little controversy as possible. I won’t be holding my breath, though.
Ibrox official confirmed for second Glasgow derby fixture of the season.
The final appointment that has so far been confirmed by the SFA is who will be the man in the middle for the up-and-coming Glasgow derby at Ibrox.
It has been confirmed that John Beaton will be the official in charge for this one, joined by Daniel McFarlane and Dougie Potter, as well as experienced referee Don Robertson as his fourth official.
The man with the huge responsibility of VAR for its first-ever outing in a Glasgow derby is Willie Collum.
Beaton’s last derby fixture came earlier this year, as Celtic were held to a draw by our Glasgow rivals in the final derby of the 2021/22 campaign.
I am sure many supporters will remember well, but the 40-year-old referee has plenty of outings in this fixture and has had some controversial moments over the years.
Arguably the most memorable was the 1-0 loss the Hoops suffered at Ibrox back in 2019, with the whistler missing a series of incidents.
Not only does he have controversial moments in derby games, but he also has many across Scottish Football, for arguably every team in the Scottish Premiership, including our opponents in January.
During this season, Beaton has overseen mistakes, including sending off Dundee United’s Tony Watt after checking VAR, despite there being little-to-no contact. The decision was rescinded shortly after.
So, it is fair to say he won’t exactly be coming into this one on the best of forms.
As always, the official isn’t going to be a concern or talking point for Ange Postecoglou, who will simply be looking for his team to do the business.
Here’s hoping we don’t see any refereeing controversy next month as the Bhoys eye up a second Glasgow derby win of the season.
Before then, though, we face a further three games, which will be on the Hoops’ minds before we head to Ibrox.
In other news, Celtic confirm the first two club icons playing in exciting legends match.
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