But the game's standout performer will be delighted at avoiding the limelight.
That's according to former category one referee Des Roache, who heaped praise on whistler Steven McLean for his showing.
McLean dished out just three yellow cards in the five-goal thriller, as Barry Ferguson's men inflicted a shock defeat on the Premiership champions-elect. And Record Sport pundit Des reckons he got them right.
He said: “Prior to the game I said I thought Don Robertson or Nick Walsh would've been handed it because Steven is no longer on the FIFA list.
“But while he might not be FIFA registered anymore, he’s got all the experience in the world and he's shown it.
“He managed the game really well, and the bit that needs to be highlighted is how easy it is to be critical of referees in these situations. An Old Firm game is not an easy game, it's the most difficult game you'll ever get in Scotland.
“Particularly when it's the first time in a wee while that fans have been back in place. With Celtic dominant as they are and Rangers on a good run of form. It's a very easy game to bypass you but Steven managed it so well. People will say it was easy but it's never easy.
“He's come out of the game with three yellow cards, and the first came in 33 minutes. As much as it's easy to be critical of refs, Steven deserves all the praise in the world for that performance.”
And Des believes that McLean has r...
That's according to former category one referee Des Roache, who heaped praise on whistler Steven McLean for his showing.
McLean dished out just three yellow cards in the five-goal thriller, as Barry Ferguson's men inflicted a shock defeat on the Premiership champions-elect. And Record Sport pundit Des reckons he got them right.
He said: “Prior to the game I said I thought Don Robertson or Nick Walsh would've been handed it because Steven is no longer on the FIFA list.
“But while he might not be FIFA registered anymore, he’s got all the experience in the world and he's shown it.
“He managed the game really well, and the bit that needs to be highlighted is how easy it is to be critical of referees in these situations. An Old Firm game is not an easy game, it's the most difficult game you'll ever get in Scotland.
“Particularly when it's the first time in a wee while that fans have been back in place. With Celtic dominant as they are and Rangers on a good run of form. It's a very easy game to bypass you but Steven managed it so well. People will say it was easy but it's never easy.
“He's come out of the game with three yellow cards, and the first came in 33 minutes. As much as it's easy to be critical of refs, Steven deserves all the praise in the world for that performance.”
And Des believes that McLean has r...
You're reading a preview of
Daily Record (Digital) - 1 Issue, March 17, 2025