The Scottish FA today has announced the match officials for the Bank Holiday weekend round of fixtures and there are two games in the Scottish Premiership that will have a huge bearing on the likely destination of the title…
Hibs welcome Celtic to Easter Road on Sunday and despite their disappointment at losing the Edinburgh Derby on Sunday afternoon, David Gray’s side will as always present the current Scottish Champions with a significant challenge.
That’s one that Martin O’Neill will know simply has to be overcome then it’s a sit back on Bank Holiday Monday afternoon and watch leaders Hearts take on the Rangers who simply have to win the game to remain in contention. The interim Celtic manager will probably be hoping for a draw.
So who will be the men in charge of these vital matches?
David Dickinson to handle Hibs v Celtic match
The Hibernian v Celtic match will be handled by referee David Dickinson and he’ll be assisted by Calum Spence and Douglas Ross (yes, him!). Don Robertson will be on VAR duties over at Clydesdale House and he will be assisted by Duncan Nicholson.
John Beaton to take charge of Hearts v the Rangers game
The next day at Tynecastle for the Heart of Midlothian v the Rangers match The Scottish FA has confirmed that John Beaton will have the whistle while David McGeachie and Jonathan Bell will run the lines. The VAR will be Andrew Dallas and his assistant over at Clydesdale House will be Chris Graham.
So we have two Rangers supporters – David Davidson and John Beaton with the whistles, Douglas Ross as a linesman (or assistant referee if you prefer) and Andrew Dallas working on VAR this weekend.
What could possibly go wrong?
Don’t worry, be happy
For Celtic this is nothing new. We have Alistair Johnston back, Callum Osmand should make the bench this weekend. Daizen Maeda has found his Midas touch for the closing matches of his Celtic chapter and he’s eyeing five wins and two more trophies before he is done in the Hoops.
The Celtic support will be in full voice at Easter Road and it’s fair to say that many Hibs fans will be indifferent about this game, while others will be hoping Celtic win as they can’t stomach the thought of the title going to Hearts for the first time in most of their lifetimes.
Hibs also have a few players, including their keeper, suspended after those foolish red cards cost them the Edinburgh Derby at the weekend.
As for the game on Monday, A Celtic win at Easter Road and it’s get out the popcorn time for the Celtic support watching on Sky Sports.
Mon the Hoops!
READ THIS ON CELTIC SHORTS…“Goal Celtic – The scorer, number 38, Daizen, Daizen, Daizen….” Maeda
