The stage is set for a tense Scottish Cup semi-final this weekend as Celtic prepare to face St Mirren at Hampden Park. The Scottish FA has confirmed the officiating team, and the appointment of referee Matthew MacDermid is sure to draw significant attention from the Celtic faithful.
This clash marks the fifth and final meeting between the two sides this season, with Celtic arriving off the back of a narrow 1-0 league victory just last Saturday. Given the history of tight contests, every decision on the pitch could prove crucial in securing a place in the final.
Referee Matthew MacDermid will take charge, assisted by Ross Macleod and David Roome, with Kevin Clancy on VAR duties. MacDermid's history with Celtic this season is a mixed bag. He oversaw a 2-0 defeat at Dundee and a 4-2 win over Livingston, but his most recent appointment was particularly controversial.
In a 2-1 home loss to Hibernian in February, MacDermid sent off Celtic's Auston Trusty for violent conduct and, in a contentious moment shortly after, opted not to award a penalty after Liam Scales was brought down in the box. That match will undoubtedly be on the minds of players and fans as they head into this high-stakes cup tie.
MacDermid has also handled five St Mirren fixtures this campaign, including matches against Hibernian, Hearts, and Dundee United. With both teams familiar with the referee's style, the focus will be on executing the game plan and maintaining composure under pressure at the national stadium.
