Celtic vs Rangers referee and VAR officials revealed as SFA appoint key figures for title decider

Willie Collum has been named as the man in the middle for the blockbuster derby between Celtic and Rangers this weekend.

The whistler will be assisted by David McGeachie and Ross Macleod with the big role in the VAR room down to Steven McLean and Graeme Stewart. Don Robertson will take on fourth official duties at Parkhead. Saturday's referee was in the headlines back in the New Year meeting after the Ibrox club claimed the whistler was WRONG not to penalise Alistair Johnston for handball after hearing the VAR audio and that there was no mention of offside from officials.

Rangers demanded to hear how the decision was reached between Nick Walsh and Collum in the VAR room to not award a spot-kick against the Celtic full-back. Now he will take centre stage in a huge battle that could have a major say in the race for the Scottish Premiership title. It comes after the Govan outfit called for Collum to be blackballed from officiating at any of their future matches during showdown talks with the SFA. Philippe Clement later publicly distanced himself from the behind the scenes battle and welcomed his appointment to officiate the Scottish Cup fifth-round clash with Ayr United back in February.

It is set to be a massive 90 minutes in Glasgow's east end with just three points separating the Old Firm rivals going into the clash. A victory for the Hoops would move them six clear at the summit while a Light Blues triumph at Parkhead would bring the two sides level with just goal difference keeping them apart going into the final matches.

The mind games are already underway with Clement slamming Brendan Rodgers over 'disrespect' after his post-match comments against Hearts on Saturday. He told the media they were going to have fun