A former top-class referee has backed the decision to appoint Nick Walsh as the whistler for the Viaplay Cup final between Celtic and Rangers, but inists fans must be told what VAR John beaton is up to, and quickly.
Steve Conroy, who stepped down from refereeing in 2012, believes Walsh is the best the SFA has to offer at the moment. The Glasgow giants face-off against one another at Hampden later this month and Walsh has been given the daunting task of officiating the first cup final of the year. John Beaton has been appointed the VAR official, while Kevin Clancy will be between Michael Beale and Ange Postecoglou in the technical areas.
The 33-year-old is set to make a swift return to Mount Florida after he took charge of the Viaplay Cup semi-final between Aberdeen and Rangers. He showed then Dons captain Anthony Stewart a straight red for a shocking challenge on Fashion Sakala, however missed what appeared to be a punch by Ryan Kent on Liam Scales on the halfway line.
Conroy told Grosvenor: "I think Nick is the right choice. He’s been the best referee in the country since Bobby Madden left, but he has not been free from talking points or controversy this season, as we saw in the Hearts-Celtic game in October when a Michael Smith handball went unpunished.
"It’s an experienced team overall, with Kevin Clancy as the fourth official and John Beaton the VAR. They are guys who have been over the course before, so overall, it’s the right team. Nick did his first derby during Covid, so he was away from the baying masses, but he covered Celtic’s 4-0 win over Rangers earlier in the season, so he knows what to expect, and he won’t be over-awed. Nothing will come as a surprise to him, and he won’t be over-awed.
"Let’s hope if Beaton has to get involved, it doesn’t take four minutes to get to the decision, which is so frustrating for everyone involved. And in that regard, tell the fans what’s going on. I think the SFA have been quote contemptuous of the public. We are the consumers. We are buying the product, and therefore, the paying public should be kept informed.
"They need to make announcements quickly on VAR calls and get the graphics on the big screens.
"It’s the first major final to use new technology, and after all of the issues we’ve had this season, the powers that be will be hoping it goes smoothly and without anything to discuss, but it certainly adds tension to it, that’s for sure, given it’s a Celtic-Rangers final.
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