Former ref in frank Steven McLean claim as Rangers vs Celtic whistler 'treated badly' by SFA over booking record

The whistler only issued two bookings in the Ibrox cauldron as the home side ran out 3-0 winners.

Former referees Des Roache and Steve Conroy reckons Steven McLean has been overlooked by the SFA after taking charge of Rangers win over Celtic.

McLean was the man in the middle for the showdown at Ibrox as Michael Beale's men ran out 3-0 winners over the Scottish Premiership champions and only issued two bookings throughout the action-packed 90 minutes. The only flashpoint occurred when the ball appeared to flick off Rangers defender Connor Goldson's hand as the first 45 came to its conclusion after a cross into the box.

However, the experienced whistler has backed up ref McLean as he insisted there was nothing that could be done by the Light Blues' centre-back with VAR backing up the decision from the ref. And Roache and Conroy told T-10 Digital that MacLean should be given the high-profile games in Scotland after his performance on Saturday. Conroy said: “I don’t think he has been treated properly by the SFA and UEFA.

"I think he has probably been on the receiving end from both of them because they want more yellow and red cards. It has always been the same. I used to get pulled up every season. They want you to be the centre of attention and cautioning any potential yellow and red cards.

“I think Steven has been treated really badly by both the SFA and UEFA. He should have had a lot more big games. I’m so glad he got the derby after so many years and handled it so well.

“You saw it at the weekend. The teams respond. Give Steven credit as he has controlled it by talking to people, not over-reacting and treating people like adults and that was clearly reciprocated.

“That’s always been Steven’s style – that’s what he has always done. He would much rather talk his way through a game and he was excellent last weekend.

Roache added: “Steven has been around along time now and has a lot of experience. It’s his calm demeanour – he’s non-theatrical. For some of these games you just need a wise old head.

“He let a few things go, which was received well by the players. There were only two cautions."

READ NEXT