CONTROVERSIAL McLEAN IN CHARGE OF WHISTLE FOR IBROX, ONE SPARE GOING FOR COPLAND ROAD END

STEVEN McLEAN will take charge of Celtic’s visit to Ibrox on Saturday.

Craig Thomson is usually awarded these matches since they first began in February 2015 when Celtic won the League Cup semi-final at Hampden in the historic first ever meeting between the clubs.

McLean, of course, is well known to Hoops fans after admitting he blundered during the Scottish Cup semi-final against Inverness Caley Thistle in April 2015 that almost certainly cost the club the chance of a domestic treble in Ronny Deila’s debut campaign.

The Parkhead men were leading 1-0 when the whistler missed a blatant handball by Josh Meekings to punch away a scoring header from Leigh Griffiths.

It should have been a red card and a penalty-kick with Deila”s side given the opportunity of doubling their advantage at a crucial stage in the game.

The Highlanders escaped, Craig Gordon was sent off at the start of the second-half and John Hughes’ side went on to win 3-2 in extra-time before going on to beat Falkirk 2-1 in the Cup Final.

McLean later confessed: “We learn from all experiences. Obviously, that was an incident that was missed.

“It was disappointing on the day and I take ultimate responsibility for it.”

McLean officiated in Sevco Rangers ‘ 2-1 victory against Aberdeen earlier this month as he dished out nine yellow cards and sent off Ibrox defender Clint Hill and Dons midfielder Ryan Jack.

The last Celtic game he refereed was their October visit to Pittodrie when the champions won 1-0 with a superb goal from Tom Rogic. McLean handed out five yellows that day.