The referee for the “blockbuster” Scottish Cup tie between Rangers and Celtic has been named and, unsurprisingly, it is Bobby Madden that will be the man in charge.
BREAKING! Bobby Madden to referee Rangers vs Celtic Scottish Cup showdown as whistler returns to derby day dutieshttps://t.co/M5aKONUKk6 pic.twitter.com/YzsKUq07Kr
— Daily Record Sport (@Record_Sport) April 9, 2021
Despite popular opinion from those of a green and grey persuasion, “Brother Bobby” – as he is affectionately known – is far from friendly when it comes to doing Rangers any favours – far from it.
Vital Rangers Player of the Year 2020/21
Allan McGregor
Connor Goldson
James Tavernier
Steven Davis
It hasn’t helped in the last 10 years that we were largely uncompetitive until the arrival of Steven Gerrard, who oversaw an almost immediate change in fortunes in Old Firm derbies, but the numbers still don’t make for pleasant reading if your agenda is one that claims the chosen whistler is likely to favour the boys in Light Blue.
Twitter was full of the usual moon howling and, well, it would be rude not to make the most of it, wouldn’t it?
Suck it up buttercup. Don’t forget to know your place too.
— Don (@BigBuffMadness) April 9, 2021
Great news seeing brother Madden back at Ibrox. Penalty in each half please Bobby.
— Steven G (@StevenG05320677) April 9, 2021
Timplosion pending….
— Stuart De Rossi (@T0nicTh3S3shH0g) April 9, 2021
3-0, Zungu, Patterson and Bassey all to score.
Delicious.
— Tom (@antarcticdonkey) April 9, 2021
Announce penalty for Patterson 🥳
— RyanClarkKent 1872 💎 (@1872Rck) April 9, 2021
In the cold light of day, Madden is the best referee in Scotland by some distance, however, when you consider some of the decisions that have been made this season, I’m not entirely sure that’s much of a compliment.