Referee Bobby Madden could be the key man in Celtic and Rangers’ Old Firm clash on Sunday, according to Danny Mills.
The Hoops face the Gers at Ibrox tomorrow, with both sides going into the game with 100% records in the Scottish Premiership.
And Sky Sports pundit Mills believes that the man in the middle could have a deciding say in who lets that stellar start to the season slip.
Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “I think one of the most important people on the pitch is going to be the referee [Bobby Madden].
“You have to take into account the Old Firm, the rivalry, the passion – he’s got to be firm and he’s got to get it right. It’s the same game of football but it’s different to other games and I think that’s what the referee understands.
“The referee’s game management is going to be absolutely crucial.”
How crucial will Madden be?
Old Firms are always hot-blooded affairs, and with so much on the line so early in the season, expect this one to be no different.
There were two red cards for Steven Gerrard’s men when the sides met back in March, and a total of 20 bookings over the course of the four games they played in the Scottish Premiership last season, as per Soccerbase.
That is no guarantee that Sunday’s clash will be as feisty, of course, but tensions always run high, and with the gap between the two sides narrowing expect things to be even more fraught.
Madden has handed out 28 seven direct red cards and 10 dismissals for second bookable offences during 165 matches in his Scottish Premiership career, as per Transfermarkt, and 83 reds in total over 403 matches in all competitions.
He certainly has a game changing dismissal in his locker, therefore, and while he won’t set out to be the star turn, he might be stuck with that tag inadvertently.
Who needs to watch their backs?
Just because Alfredo Morelos starts a match does not mean that there is any guarantee he will finish it.
The Colombian has developed a reputation for being a bit of a hot head, and missed 10 games last season through various suspensions, as per Transfermarkt.
He will need to keep his head in this one, having also been given his marching orders when the two sides met back in March.
As for the Hoops, Scott Brown has always loved a bit of aggro, and has been sent off six times during his Celtic career, as well as picking 122 yellow cards for the Bhoys, as per Transfermarkt.
Never rule out Brown being in amongst the drama.