Celtic VAR Appointment: Andrew Dallas Gets Ibrox Role Days After O’Neill’s ‘Crooked Lines’ Blast

Celtic’s VAR appointment for Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup quarter-final at Ibrox has immediately created another major talking point.

Nick Walsh will referee the game, with Andrew Dallas on VAR and Steven McLean assisting him. Frank Connor and Daniel McFarlane are the assistant referees, while Kevin Clancy is fourth official.

The timing could hardly be more eye-catching.

It comes days after Martin O’Neill questioned the var used during Celtic’s 2-1 win over St Mirren, when goals from Camilo Duran and Shim Mheuka were ruled out for offside.

O’Neill’s verdict was memorable: “I’ve never seen so many crooked lines in my life.”

Celtic VAR appointment lands after fresh controversy

The St Mirren match produced serious questions over the technology available to officials.

VAR Don Robertson was unable to accurately draw the offside lines for Mheuka’s late disallowed goal. Referee Ryan Lee was then called to the monitor before the goal was ruled out.

Former Rangers defender Richard Foster also questioned whether the cameras and lines were accurate enough to settle such tiny margins.

Now Dallas will be the man behind the screen for Celtic’s biggest domestic cup game of the season so far.

That guarantees scrutiny.

Dallas was also VAR when Celtic received the controversial late handball penalty against Motherwell in May. BBC analysis later highlighted the limited camera evidence available for that decision.

That incident created enormous debate across Scottish football. This time, every major call at Ibrox will be examined just as closely.

Celtic VAR appointment adds another layer to Ibrox showdown

Walsh is no stranger to this fixture. He took charge of two meetings between the clubs last season, both won by Celtic.

Sunday’s quarter-final already carries huge significance.

It is a knockout game and there will be no away supporters inside Ibrox following the agreement covering matches between the clubs this season.

The SPFL has confirmed a noon kick-off on Sunday, September 13.

Celtic also face Rangers again at Celtic Park in the Premiership just seven days later.

Nobody should pre-judge Walsh, Dallas or any official before a ball is kicked.

However, after the VAR controversy in Paisley and O’Neill’s unusually blunt comments, the spotlight on the officials will be enormous.

Celtic supporters will simply want clear, consistent decisions backed by technology that leaves no room for another argument over “crooked lines.”

Key Takeaways

• Nick Walsh will referee Rangers v Celtic on Sunday.
• Andrew Dallas has been appointed VAR, with Steven McLean assisting.
• The appointment comes days after Martin O’Neill criticised Scotland’s VAR lines.
• The quarter-final kicks off at noon on September 13.