Hearts v Celtic Referee Confirmed

The SFA has confirmed Steven McLean will take charge of Hearts vs Celtic at Tynecastle this Sunday, his first Celtic game of the 2025/26 season.

The decision has already drawn attention from supporters, given McLean’s past involvement in several controversial Celtic fixtures.

He will be assisted by Graeme Stewart and David Roome on the touchlines, with Andrew Dallas in charge of VAR and David Dickinson assisting. With Hearts five points clear at the top of the table, this match carries huge importance for Brendan Rodgers’ side, who are looking to respond after a disappointing defeat to Dundee last weekend.

McLean’s last notable Celtic match came during last season’s trip to Easter Road, when a goal was ruled out after VAR judged the ball had gone out of play in the build-up. The call angered supporters and left Rodgers visibly frustrated, with replays showing the evidence was far from clear. That moment still lingers in the minds of many fans, who will be hoping for a fair and controversy-free performance this time around.

Celtic know they cannot afford further setbacks. With the pressure building on the board and manager alike, they will be desperate for a strong response on the pitch, and for key decisions to be handled correctly.

The appointment of Andrew Dallas in the VAR booth will also raise eyebrows among the Celtic support, who have long called for higher standards and greater transparency in officiating.

For McLean and his team, Sunday’s clash represents a big opportunity to let the football do the talking. For Rodgers and Celtic, it’s about bouncing back, closing the gap on Hearts, and proving their title credentials, regardless of who has the whistle.