Ange Postecoglou confused by Celtic Park referee theory as Michael Beale 'pressure' claim questioned

Ange Postecoglou says he doesn't quite get the reasoning behind no away fans putting pressure on the referee during Celtic vs Rangers.

Kevin Clancy will be the man in the middle at a Parkhead where no supporters in blue will be present, with only those in green and white packing out Glasgow's east end. A win for Postecoglou's Celtic would be them into a near unassailable 12-point lead at the top of the Premiership but counterpart Michael Beale has put forward his thoughts ahead of the match after both clubs barred away fans for the rest of the league season

He said earlier this week - prior to Clancy's appointment - that there is pressure on the whistler but Postecoglou can't see the reasoning. When asked about Beale's comments on extra pressure on the referee given no away support and where he stood on it, the Aussie replied: "I don't stand on that anyway. I don't know, does that mean 700 supporters would?

"I don't understand so I don't worry about that stuff. As I said, what is important tomorrow is we perform in front of our own supporters and it will be a great atmosphere, that is where our focus lies.

"What we have to face tomorrow is 60,000 of ours. And I am quite happy with that as well."

Beale had said: “It impacts it because it’s very hostile when you go. I think the referees are under a huge amount of pressure. Even having just a few fans is better than none, I would say. You’d always rather some fans, even if it was only a small amount.

“I just think it adds to the flavour of the game and, again, the pressure it puts on the referee if you have a large crowd in favour of one team.”