4 John Beaton Rangers vs Celtic performances in focus as ref gears up for Ibrox blockbuster

John Beaton will take charge of his fifth Old Firm game when Rangers and Celtic lock horns at Ibrox on Sunday.

It is a blockbuster occasion in the shake-up for the Scottish Premiership title with just one point separating the Glasgow rivals. The Hoops arrive in Govan in top spot - but they've played one game more than the Light Blues. Both Philippe Clement and Brendan Rodgers will be desperate for all three points in a 90 minutes that could have a major say in the destiny of the league trophy.

Celtic and Rangers will both go head to head once more at Parkhead when the league split fixtures are determined while a Hampden Scottish Cup Final is still a real possibility in a massive end of season showpiece in Mount Florida but all focus is on the here and now.

Record Sport have examined man in the middle Beaton's derby record as he gets set for clash No. 5.

Beaton took charge of his first derby game on the day Celtic recorded their biggest win at Ibrox. The whistler was forced to make a big call early in the game after awarding Celtic a penalty with just seven minutes on the clock.

Patrick Roberts was hauled down by Myles Beerman and Beaton correctly pointed to the spot before Scott Sinclair broke the deadlock. Each side landed two yellow cards as Mikael Lustig and Dedryck Boyata were cautioned for the Hoops, with Andy Halliday and Josh Windass booked for the hosts.

Ryan Jack scored the winner to inflict Celtic’s first Old Firm defeat in 13 under Brendan Rodgers. But Beaton was targeted with vile death threats and online abuse in the aftermath.

The whistler was vilified for failing to punish Alfredo Morelos for a stamp on Anthony Ralston, a clash with Ryan Christie and a kick at Celtic skipper Scott Brown. Celtic