Referee team revealed for explosive Celtic–Rangers derby

The Scottish FA has confirmed the full officiating lineup for this weekend’s highly anticipated Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers.

The two Glasgow rivals are set to meet at Parkhead on Saturday lunchtime in a William Hill Premiership clash, with kick-off scheduled for 12:30pm. Steven McLean has been appointed as the referee for the fixture, taking charge of proceedings on the pitch. He will be supported by assistant referees David McGeachie and Jonathan Bell along the touchlines.

Video Assistant Referee responsibilities will fall to Kevin Clancy, who will be assisted by Grant Irvine in the VAR hub, ensuring key decisions are closely monitored during what is expected to be a fiercely contested encounter.

Kevin Clancy

Celtic go into the derby under mounting pressure after a disappointing 2-0 defeat away to Motherwell on Tuesday night. That result has further intensified scrutiny on head coach Wilfried Nancy, who has endured a difficult start to life at Parkhead. Since taking charge four weeks ago, the Frenchman has overseen five defeats in seven matches, leaving supporters increasingly concerned about the team’s form and direction.

Despite the recent struggles, Nancy remains determined to approach his first Old Firm derby with confidence and belief. Speaking ahead of the weekend, he underlined his awareness of the significance of the fixture and the emotions that surround it.

“I know Celtic against Rangers,” Nancy said. “I understand that this is a rivalry game and I know exactly what it means. This is part of why I do this job – to be involved in matches like this. We want to play with passion and fully understand what it represents.”

He added that the focus will now shift firmly toward preparation and recovery following the midweek setback. “Tonight is tonight,” Nancy continued. “We now have more days to prepare, to rest, and to get ready to face this team properly.”

The upcoming derby represents a major test for Nancy, with the match marking his first experience of the Old Firm rivalry since arriving in Scotland. A positive result could help ease some of the tension surrounding his tenure, while another defeat would only increase the pressure.

Rangers, meanwhile, head into the contest with renewed confidence after securing a 2-1 victory over St Mirren at Ibrox earlier in the week. That win helped maintain their momentum in the league and ensured they remain firmly in the title conversation heading into the weekend.

Their manager, Danny Röhl, will be particularly motivated to claim a result at Parkhead as he looks to gain revenge for last month’s defeat to Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final. On that occasion, Celtic emerged 3-1 winners, denying Rangers a place in the final and adding extra edge to Saturday’s meeting.

With league points, pride, and momentum all at stake, the derby is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for both clubs. Celtic will be desperate to respond after recent disappointments and give their supporters something to celebrate, while Rangers will aim to capitalize on their rivals’ uncertainty and close the gap at the top of the table.

The appointment of experienced officials, including VAR oversight, reflects the importance of the occasion, as attention will be firmly fixed on every major decision. As ever, the Old Firm derby promises intensity, drama, and scrutiny in equal measure when Celtic and Rangers collide at Parkhead this weekend.

Wilfried Nancy considers MLS reunion as Celtic linked with move for former Barcelona defender

Celtic are reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing Bournemouth right-back Julian Araujo to Parkhead on loan, with head coach Wilfried Nancy keen to bolster his squad ahead of the second half of the season.

The 24-year-old Mexican international has found opportunities limited on the south coast this campaign, making just one appearance under Andoni Iraola. With the January transfer window about to open, Bournemouth are understood to be open to a temporary move that would allow the defender to gain regular playing time elsewhere.

Nancy is believed to be assessing his options as Celtic look to strengthen areas of concern, particularly on the right side of defence. Injuries have left the Scottish champions light in that position, with first-choice right-back Alistair Johnston having already suffered his second hamstring problem of the season.

Celtic short of options on the right

Johnston’s latest setback has once again exposed Celtic’s lack of depth at right-back, prompting the club to look at potential reinforcements. While Anthony Ralston remains a reliable squad option, the demands of domestic and European football mean additional cover could be required.

Araujo’s profile appears to fit Celtic’s needs. Though he featured regularly for Bournemouth last season, making 13 appearances in all competitions, his involvement has dropped significantly this time around. Despite being included in matchday squads, he has struggled to force his way into Iraola’s plans.

Reports suggest Bournemouth are willing to sanction a loan deal in January, allowing the defender to rebuild momentum and showcase his abilities in a new environment.

From MLS prospect to European experience

Araujo began his professional career in Major League Soccer, coming through the academy system at LA Galaxy. His performances in the MLS caught the attention of European clubs, leading to a move to Barcelona in 2023.

While he did not feature for the Catalan giants’ first team, he gained valuable experience during a loan spell with Las Palmas, where he played regularly in La Liga. His performances in Spain were enough to secure a permanent move to Bournemouth the following season, marking another step forward in his career.

Despite his promising trajectory, consistent minutes have been hard to come by this season, making a temporary exit increasingly appealing for both player and club.

International ambitions driving search for game time

Regular football is especially important for Araujo as he looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada. The defender will be eager to cement his place in Mexico’s plans ahead of the tournament, and that goal may require a move away from Bournemouth in search of guaranteed playing time.

Araujo has already earned 16 caps for Mexico, having committed his international future to El Tri after initially representing the United States at youth level. He made a single senior friendly appearance for the USMNT in 2020 before switching allegiance the following year.

With competition for places expected to intensify ahead of the World Cup, securing consistent minutes at club level will be a priority.

Familiar face for Nancy

A potential move to Celtic would also reunite Araujo with Wilfried Nancy, who previously faced the defender during his time coaching in Major League Soccer. Nancy managed both CF Montreal and Columbus Crew and would be well aware of Araujo’s strengths from their MLS encounters.

That prior familiarity could play a role in Celtic’s interest, with Nancy potentially seeing the Mexican defender as a good fit for his tactical approach and physical demands.

Competition at Parkhead

If a deal were to be completed, Araujo would join a competitive environment at Celtic. He would be challenging Ralston and young defender Colby Donovan for minutes on the right side, while Yang Hyun-jun has also been deployed further forward as a wing-back option.

The opportunity to compete for a starting role at a club pushing for domestic success could be an attractive proposition for Araujo, particularly given Celtic’s need for reinforcements in that area.

January decision looming

As the transfer window approaches, Celtic are weighing their options carefully. A loan move for Araujo would represent a low-risk way to add depth and experience, while giving the player a platform to rediscover form and consistency.

With injuries mounting and the second half of the season fast approaching, the coming weeks could prove decisive in determining whether an MLS reunion is on the cards at Parkhead.

Pat Bonner makes surprising claim about Wilfried Nancy’s Celtic after Livingston win

Pat Bonner has offered an unexpected but glowing assessment of Wilfried Nancy’s Celtic after their dramatic victory over Livingston, drawing a comparison that few supporters might have anticipated.

Celtic emerged from Almondvale with a 4–2 win, but the manner of the performance was anything but straightforward. The Hoops found themselves trailing twice inside the opening ten minutes, leaving fans bracing themselves for a potentially uncomfortable afternoon. However, an explosive attacking response turned the game on its head before half-time. Benjamin Nygren struck twice, while Hyunjun Yang and Arne Engels also found the net in a breathless first-half display that ultimately secured all three points for the visitors.

While the match was nerve-racking for sections of the Celtic support, former Hoops goalkeeper Pat Bonner was left deeply impressed by what he saw from Nancy’s side. Rather than focusing solely on the defensive issues exposed early on, Bonner zeroed in on the team’s attacking intent and entertainment value. In doing so, he reached back into Celtic history to make a comparison that surprised many listening.

Bonner likened Nancy’s Celtic to the side managed by Tommy Burns during the 1996/97 season — a team remembered fondly for its flair, attacking ambition and willingness to take risks, even if that approach came with defensive vulnerabilities.

Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland at half-time, Bonner admitted he had been searching for a historical parallel as he watched the chaos unfold at Almondvale. He explained that the closest comparison he could find was Burns’ Celtic, particularly the team that featured the famous attacking quartet of Pierre van Hooijdonk, Paulo Di Canio, Jorge Cadete and Andy Thom.

According to Bonner, that Burns side was packed with attacking talent, with several players focused almost entirely on creating and scoring goals rather than contributing defensively. The result was often thrilling football, but it also left the back line exposed. Bonner suggested Nancy’s Celtic showed similar traits: exciting, bold and highly watchable, yet always susceptible to conceding goals.

He highlighted how, under Burns, Celtic were sometimes left with just four defenders trying to cope while the attacking players expressed themselves further up the pitch. It made for compelling viewing but also meant the team could be punished, particularly in big games. Bonner felt the same balance — or imbalance — was evident in Nancy’s current side, especially during the early stages against Livingston.

For many Celtic fans, the mention of Tommy Burns inevitably stirs feelings of nostalgia. Burns’ team from the mid-1990s is remembered not only for its attacking football but also for how close it came to delivering major success. In the 1996/97 campaign, Celtic pushed Rangers hard in the title race but ultimately finished five points adrift.

That season, Burns’ Celtic scored 78 league goals while conceding 32, underlining both their potency going forward and their defensive shortcomings. They recorded 23 wins, six draws and seven defeats, but crucially lost all four Old Firm derbies — a factor that proved decisive in the title race, as Rangers finished with slightly superior results overall.

Despite falling short in the league, Burns had already etched his name into Celtic folklore the previous season by ending a six-year trophy drought. The Scottish Cup triumph over Dunfermline in 1995 remains a cherished moment, cementing Burns’ legacy as a manager who restored pride and attacking identity to the club.

By invoking Burns’ Celtic, Bonner was not offering criticism so much as praise for the entertainment Nancy’s team provides. The comparison suggests a side willing to take risks, prioritise attacking football and thrill supporters — even if that approach occasionally comes at a cost. For a fanbase that values style as much as success, it was a compliment that carried real weight, even if it also served as a reminder of the fine balance between excitement and control.