SFA confirm match officials for Celtic’s Premier Sports Cup showdown with Rangers | OneFootball

Nick Walsh will take charge of Celtic’s Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday…

4th March 2026; Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Aberdeen versus Celtic; Referee Nick Walsh

The SFA have confirmed the experienced 35-year-old as referee for the first Glasgow derby of the season, with Frank Connor and Daniel McFarlane appointed as his assistants and Kevin Clancy named as fourth official.

Andrew Dallas will oversee VAR alongside assistant Steven McLean for what promises to be a huge occasion as Martin O’Neill and Derek McInnes go head-to-head in the fixture for the first time.

Walsh is Scotland’s only referee currently holding UEFA elite status and is no stranger to the derby, having officiated two meetings between the sides last season.

Callum Osmand celebrates. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

He was in the middle for Celtic’s 3-1 extra-time victory over Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden, when he sent off Thelo Aasgaard, before also overseeing the Hoops’ 3-1 Premiership triumph at Celtic Park in May.

Across those two encounters, Walsh showed a total of 17 yellow cards in addition to Aasgaard’s red.

Sunday’s cup tie was not originally expected to be the first derby of the campaign, with Celtic and Rangers already scheduled to meet at Parkhead on Sunday 20 September.

Alistair Johnston on the lookout for the Rangers! 23rd May 2026; Hampden Park, Scottish Cup Final Celtic versus Dunfermline; Alistair Johnston of Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

However, the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final draw paired the rivals together at Ibrox a week earlier, adding an extra derby to the calendar.

Celtic will make the trip across Glasgow without any travelling support, with no away fans permitted at Ibrox for the clash.

Dion Dublin (Celtic) Scottish Premier League 2005/2006. 12.02.2006: Photo imago/IPA Herren Mannschaft

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