John Hartson warns Celtic and Rangers to brace for ultimate referee controversy and brands Nick Walsh claim 'a disgrace'

John Hartson fears Celtic and Rangers will have to prepare for the title being decided by a refereeing howler.

The former Celtic striker reckons standards of officiating are slipping after another weekend of controversy overshadowed victories for both sides in an otherwise thrilling race to the line.

The Hoops produced a dominant display to beat Livingston 3-1 but video replays showed their first goal came from a corner that should have been a goal kick while Tom Rogic was seen to handle in the lead-up to the second.

The situation was made worse by Livi boss David Martindale claiming referee Nick Walsh over-ruled his assistant and fourth official to award a corner for the opener.

A day earlier Aberdeen boss Jim Goodwin claimed there was a blatant foul on Calvin Ramsay in the build-up to Rangers ' winner at Ibrox.

It comes amid a season where both Glasgow sides have raised concerns about the standard of officiating. Celtic chairman Ian Bankier controversially admitted at their AGM in November that his club had "deep concerns" over the matter and revealed they "make representations on a regular basis" to the governing body.

Rangers fired in an eight-point letter of complaint to the SFA over the quality of ref Kevin Clancy's performance in a January draw with Aberdeen.

Just last week Hibs chiefs contacted the SFA to highlight their concerns over inconsistencies that arose in their draw with Dundee last week.

Now with the title race poised on a knife edge with eight games - including two derbies - to go, Hartson fears is could all be settled by a wrong call from the officials.

Get all the latest Celtic news sent straight to your Inbox every day by signing up to our newsletter.

We cover every morsel of information