Controversial referee Kevin Clancy has been named as the whistler for Rangers match with Kilmarnock this weekend [SPFL].
This will be Clancy’s first time officiating a Rangers game this season and the first match he has refereed since controversial comments Clancy made about Celtic’s claims to 10IAR.
Speaking ahead of the new season, Clancy drew the ire of Rangers fans for claiming referees know “exactly what is at stake” for our Old Firm rivals this season.
“I can absolutely guarantee you that the referees officiating in the Scottish Premiership know exactly what is at stake this season,” said Clancy [Clyde Superscoreboard].
“We are under no illusion that every decision probably almost in every game is going to be scrutinised to a level that even the media probably haven’t seen for a long, long period of time.
“If you want to take anything away from this, it is that the guys have been training hard, the guys are ready for the season that is about to start.
“We really do know what is at stake for the whole of the division.”
The comments drew particular frustration because as an impartial referee Kevin Clancy should not be viewing this season any differently from any other.
The referees should be aiming to apply the rules of the game equally in every match regardless of the outside pressure.
Rangers fans also view Clancy as Celtic’s referee of choice and pointed to the whistler’s woeful performance in Old Firms and the fact he referees an excessive number of matches involving Celtic.
Clancy refereed six Scottish Premiership games involving Celtic last season, meaning he was involved with the Parkhead club more than any other team.
The controversial referee will be in charge as Rangers welcome Kilmarnock at 3pm on Saturday afternoon in the Scottish Premiership.
