Controversial whistler Kevin Clancy has been appointed as the referee for Rangers’ midweek Premiership fixture against Hibernian at Easter Road.
The Gers travel to the capital in search of three points to back up their 5-0 hammering of Ross County on Saturday.
That victory stretched their lead at the top of the Premiership table to 23 points and a win in Edinburgh would ensure that the gap is at least maintained, even if Celtic get back to winning ways against Hamilton at Parkhead.
Hibernian were soundly beaten by St Johnstone in a League Cup semi-final at the weekend but they tend to raise their game against the Gers and are one of only three teams to take points off Steven Gerrard’s side in the league this season.
It’s likely to be a feisty affair on a poor pitch and Kevin Clancy will be the man charged with keeping a lid on things.
The 37-year-old is an experienced whistler who has been on the international list of FIFA referees for almost a decade, but he has made controversial decisions in the past during Rangers fixtures.
He failed to send off Dundee United’s Ryan Edwards for a wild challenge on Alfredo Morelos in September 2020, while Rangers first-team coach Michael Beale received an SFA ban for accusing Clancy of cheating during an Old Firm clash last season [Scottish Sun].
Clancy has refereed Rangers 30 times so far in his career, with the Gers winning 16 of those games, drawing seven and losing seven [Transfermarkt].
He has shown a red card three times to a Rangers player and awarded the Light Blues two penalties.
Dougie Potter and David McGeachie will be the assistant referees, while Barry Cook has been appointed as the fourth official [Scottishfa.co.uk].
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has hinted that he could make changes to his side for the game, partially due to concerns about the state of the pitch.
