Nick Walsh, the 35-year-old who holds UEFA elite status as Scotland's only referee at that level, took charge as Rangers beat Celtic 3 (three) - 0 (nil) in their Premier Sports Cup quarter-final at Ibrox on Sunday. The Scottish FA had confirmed Walsh for the tie, with Frank Connor and Daniel McFarlane as his assistants, Kevin Clancy as fourth official, and Andrew Dallas overseeing VAR alongside Steven McLean.
Walsh officiated both Celtic-Rangers meetings last season and sent off Thelo Aasgaard in Celtic's 3-1 extra-time win in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden on 2 November 2025. He was also the referee when Celtic won 3-1 at Celtic Park in the Premiership in May, and across those two matches he showed a total of 17 yellow cards on top of the red card for Aasgaard.
Celtic and Rangers had originally been due to meet at Parkhead on Sunday, 20 September, but the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final draw sent them to Ibrox a week earlier instead. Celtic travelled without any away support, as no visiting fans are permitted at Ibrox for the fixture, managed from the touchline by Martin O'Neill and Derek McInnes.
Dylan Neil scored twice, in the 23rd minute with an assist from Kyle Kelsy and again in the 75th, either side of Kelsy's own goal in the 59th minute, as Rangers ran out 3-0 winners. The result stretched Rangers' unbeaten run to five straight wins.
Rangers were without Lawrence Shankland, Youssef Chermiti and José Cifuentes. Derek McInnes' side are next in action at home to Dundee on 30 December.
