Willie Collum is named as Old Firm referee
Referee Willie Collum has being confirmed as the referee for the Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers on Sunday 24 October.
The 31-year-old referee will oversee his first Old Firm derby and many critics have suggested that Collum is not experienced enough to referee a match of this magnitude.
The Celtic and Rangers match will be more significant than usual as both teams have won all their games so far this season.
Rangers lead the table on goal difference and Collum is sure to be under serious pressure at some stage during the match in what will be a unique and intimidating atmosphere.
Hugh Dallas the head of the referees’ Scottish Football Association has said that he believes Collum is ready to referee in such an important game.
"I think the younger referees are now coming through to the top level and we see a young referee taking charge of the first Old Firm game of the season," said Dallas.
Collum refereed his first competitive game in 2004 and oversaw his first Scottish Premier League match in April 2006.
Since then, he has refereed international matches and Europa League games. The Scottish referee took charge of his first Champions League match between FC Copenhagen and Panathinaikos last month.
"It's his first Old Firm game on Sunday and that is a young referee who only seven or eight years ago who was operating within the youth academy, so it augers well for the future," said Dallas.
However, Celtic manager Neil Lennon will be concerned about the standard of referees in the SPL. Lennon criticised referee Dougie McDonald for his performance in Celtic’s match against Dundee United.
McDonald awarded a penalty to Celtic in the 70th minute only to reverse his decision moments later.
Lennon will hope that Collum produces a better refereeing performance in what will be a crucial game.
Tags: