On Sunday, two of world football’s oldest and most hateful rivals will meet in the final clash of the 2024/25 season.
On paper, it’s all done, Celtic are champions of Scotland after finally securing the title last time out when Brendan Rodgers’ side thrashed Dundee United.
But those who will be inside Ibrox, and those watching across the world, will only care what happens during those highly-charged 90 minutes of football, especially given that Celtic have lost the last two matches against Rangers.
If the on-field referee and those VAR officials think they are going to get it easy at every decision they make, then they need to think again.
But John Hartson isn’t a fan of what he is hearing about those who will be in charge of Celtic’s clash at Rangers.
John Hartson makes his feelings clear on officials for Rangers vs Celtic at Ibrox
There is always a controversial call around the corner, and don’t be surprised if there is one during this game because it always seems to happen.
But Hartson simply doesn’t like the noise around the officials amid possible ‘concerns’ about who will be in charge, as he told Go Radio.
The former striker added that officials shouldn’t be talked about or questioned before the Rangers and Celtic match.
“John, who do you want as the Glasgow derby referee?” asked presenter Paul Cooney. “Doesn’t matter because I am going to tell you who it is. John’s not looking bothered.”
Hartson responded: “I can’t believe we are even talking about this, to be honest with you. Referees all make mistakes.
“I have been quite critical of referees, especially VAR, when it was making so many mistakes when it first came here to our league.
“But, genuinely. I am not concerned at the weekend who referees. You just hope that they go and do the best they can. They get the big decisions right. VAR helps them as much as they can.
“In my opinion, why should we be questioning referees. ‘I am not trusting them’, and these types of things.”
Who is the referee and VAR officials for Rangers vs Celtic at Ibrox?
Whatever your opinions on referees, VAR or anything else, those in the middle and working VAR will always be a talking point.
The man in charge of tasking this all-action derby is going to be Nick Walsh, who managed Motherwell’s win over Rangers in March, as well as Celtic’s 3-0 win against Dundee United in February.
Andrew Dallas is the man in charge of VAR, as Andrew McWilliam will be on AVAR duty.
