Celtic v St Mirren – SFA give Duncan Nicolson the whistle

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The Celtic Star

·8. April 2026

Celtic v St Mirren – SFA give Duncan Nicolson the whistle

The Scottish FA has announced the officials for Celtic’s upcoming Premiership clash at home to St Mirren this weekend…

In what will be the first of two encounters between the sides within eight days, Martin O’Neill’s men go head-to-head with Craig McLeish’s side, as both interim bosses aim to secure a vital three points at Celtic Park on Saturday.

Now, Duncan Nicolson has been appointed as referee, as confirmed by the Scottish FA on their official website. He will be assisted by Frank Connor and Scott Anderson who are running the lines, while John Beaton will oversee VAR operations alongside Duncan Williams from Clydesdale House.

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Julian Araujo celebrates at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock 2 Celtic 3. Scottish Premiership. Sunday 15 February 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

This fixture marks Nicolson’s third time officiating a Celtic match this season. His previous appointments include the narrow 1-0 victory over Dundee in December – O’Neill’s final game before Wilfried Nancy took charge – and the dramatic 3-2 win against Kilmarnock, sealed by Julian Araujo’s stoppage-time winner at Rugby Park.

It will also be his third outing involving St Mirren, having previously taken charge of their 2-1 win over Falkirk and a 1-1 draw with Livingston, both on the road during Stephen Robinson’s tenure.

Luke McCowan of Celtic celebrates scoring to give Celtic a 1-0 lead. Celtic v St Mirren, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, Glasgow, 3 August 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace, IMAGO / Shutterstock (The Celtic Star)

The two teams have already met three times this campaign. Their opening-day clash was decided by a late Luke McCowan goal, while Callum McGregor netted a late winner in their November meeting.

Callum McGregor celebrates. St Mirren v Celtic, 23 November 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

However, In December during the wild Wilfried days, Celtic were beaten 3-1 by St Mirren in the Premier Sports League Cup final, with another cup showdown between the teams set for next weekend.

Celtic sit three points league leaders Hearts who face Motherwell at Tynecastle on Saturday. The Jambos haven’t beaten Jens Berthel Askou’s men this season, but have to win this weekend.

Meanwhile, the latest Ibrox club travel to play Falkirk on Sunday and the pressure could be on if Celtic and Hearts both win. Then matters turn to the split for all three teams with Celtic playing three of their five at Celtic Park.

Conor Spence

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