Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

'I don't know' - Postecoglou reacts to Beale Celtic vs Rangers ref pressure concerns

Ange Postecoglou brushed off concerns from Michael Beale over "huge pressure" on the officials in tomorrow's Celtic and Rangers clash.

The match will be played in front of a home crowd only with no away allocations at either Ibrox or Celtic Park in the remaining league fixtures this season.

It means there will be 60,000 backing Celtic for Saturday's encounter - something Beale suggested could heap even more pressure on referee Kevin Clancy.

The Ibrox boss claimed there will be extra pressure on Clancy - assisted by David McGeachie and Ross Macleod - due to the overwhelming backing for one team.

John Beaton has been appointed as the fourth official for the match with Nick Walsh on VAR duties, alongside assistant Daniel McFarlane.

But Postecoglou refused to be drawn on the topic as he insisted he doesn't have a stance on the concerns, shifting focus instead to his side's performance.

Asked for his opinion on the remarks, Postecoglou chuckled: "I don't stand on that any way. I don't know, does that mean 700 supporters would?

"I don't understand. Look, I don't worry about that stuff.

"What's important tomorrow is that we perform well in front of our supporters.

"It will be a great atmosphere and that's where our focus lies."

Beale had previously said: “It impacts it because it’s very hostile when you go.

"I think the referees are under a huge amount of pressure.

"Even having just a few fans is better than none, I would say.

“You’d always rather some fans, even if it was only a small amount.

“I just think it adds to the flavour of the game and, again, the pressure it puts on the referee if you have a large crowd in favour of one team.”

Our Celtic Digest newsletter brings exclusive content directly to you rather than solely through the website. You can already find us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram but we will also send bespoke opinion pieces and special features directly to your email inbox every evening. Not only will you receive this article from Sean Martin, Tony Haggerty or Aidan Macdonald (or, sometimes, from all three) but you will also get easy access to our best content from the last 24 hours too. It’s a great way to keep up to date with what’s happening at Ange Postecoglou’s Scottish champions. To sign up, simply take five seconds to type in your email here. Simple!

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.