John Beaton named Celtic vs Rangers referee for Premiership title clash at Parkhead

This weekend's crucial clash between Celtic and Rangers will be refereed by John Beaton.

The fourth Premiership meeting between Glasgow's big two could all-but decide the destination of the title, with a victory for the Hoops sending Ange Postecoglou's men nine points clear with just three fixtures remaining.

And when you factor in Celtic's far superior goal difference, this is nothing short of an absolute must-win game for Giovanni van Bronckhorst and his players.

With so much at stake, only a handful of officials were likely to have been given the gig.

Bobby Madden was the man in the middle for the Scottish Cup semi-final earlier this month, with his display criticised by several high profile pundits and ex-players.

Willie Collum took charge of the last league meeting between the two sides, which saw Celtic come from a goal down to win 2-1 at Ibrox on April 3.

But now it's Beaton's turn to officiate the Premiership's powderkeg clash, and it'll be the first time he's landed the biggest domestic fixture in this country since August 2021 when Rangers emerged victorious.

He will be assisted by Frank Connor and Graeme Stewart, with Don Roberston taking on the role as fourth official.