SFA Takes Action on Nick Walsh Amid Investigation into Celtic vs Rangers Officiating Controversy

SFA Takes Action on Nick Walsh Amid Investigation into Celtic vs Rangers Officiating Controversy

The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has reportedly taken decisive action regarding referee Nick Walsh following the explosive aftermath of the Celtic vs Rangers clash, which has drawn intense scrutiny over his officiating performance. The high-profile Scottish League Cup semi-final ended in chaos both on and off the pitch, with fans, pundits, and former officials openly criticising several key decisions made during the match.

Walsh, who was in charge of the fiercely contested encounter, has found himself at the centre of a storm after Rangers supporters accused him of showing bias towards Celtic. The controversy erupted after a series of contentious calls — most notably, what many described as lenient treatment toward certain Celtic players and questionable disciplinary decisions that heavily influenced the rhythm of the match.

In the days that followed, social media platforms and fan forums were flooded with heated debates and allegations. Some Rangers supporters went as far as claiming that Walsh’s officiating reflected a “pattern of favouritism,” with unfounded claims surfacing that he is a known Celtic fan. While such accusations remain unsubstantiated, the volume of complaints prompted the SFA to act swiftly.

According to reports close to Hampden Park, the SFA has officially launched an internal investigation into Walsh’s performance and the wider concerns raised by both clubs. Sources suggest the governing body is reviewing match footage, referee reports, and VAR communications to determine whether the standard of officiating met the required professional threshold.

In a statement released earlier today, the SFA confirmed that “an ongoing review into the conduct and performance of match officials” is underway and that, pending the outcome, Nick Walsh will not be assigned to any future Celtic vs Rangers fixtures. The temporary measure, the statement reads, is aimed at “preserving the integrity and neutrality of Scottish officiating” while the investigation continues.

This decision marks a rare and significant move by the SFA, as the fixtures are traditionally officiated by the country’s most trusted and experienced referees. By standing Walsh down from one of Scotland’s most volatile matchups, the SFA appears to be taking public concerns seriously, even as it seeks to protect its officials from undue pressure.

Rangers fans have largely welcomed the move, describing it as a necessary step toward accountability. On the other hand, some within the Celtic fanbase have accused critics of scapegoating the referee, arguing that such investigations could set a dangerous precedent driven by fan outrage rather than objective analysis.

The SFA, however, insists that its decision is procedural and not a disciplinary judgment. “Until the final stance is reached and conclusions are made, Nick Walsh will remain uninvolved in Celtic-Rangers assignments,” a spokesperson confirmed.

As the investigation unfolds, the Scottish football community awaits clarity. The findings could have lasting implications not only for Walsh’s career but also for how refereeing standards and neutrality are managed in Scotland’s most passionate football rivalry. For now, all eyes remain on the SFA’s next move.